### Overview of the First Male Billionaires in Different Nations

The query regarding the identity of the first male billionaire in a country can yield different answers depending on the nation being considered. This documented response explores two distinct answers to this question: Bill Gates in the context of the United States and Lee Kun-hee for South Korea. Each individual's rise to billionaire status underscores the economic and cultural landscapes of their respective countries during their times.

### Bill Gates and the United States

#### Early Life and Education
William Henry Gates III, known universally as Bill Gates, was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. From a young age, Gates showed an avid interest in software and began programming computers at age 13. He pursued a higher education at Harvard University but left before completing his degree to pursue a business opportunity that eventually became Microsoft.

#### Founding of Microsoft
In 1975, alongside his childhood friend Paul Allen, Bill Gates founded Microsoft. The company initially focused on developing and selling BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800. Microsoft's big break came in 1980 when it secured a contract to provide the operating system for IBM's first personal computer. The success of this project, and subsequent licensing deals with other PC manufacturers, propelled Microsoft to the forefront of the software industry.

#### Becoming a Billionaire
Bill Gates's financial ascent began in earnest with Microsoft's IPO in March 1986. Shares in the company soared, and Gates, holding a significant portion of the stock, became a billionaire shortly thereafter. At the time, he was one of the youngest self-made billionaires.

#### Philanthropy and Later Life
Beyond his business achievements, Gates is also known for his philanthropic efforts, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on enhancing healthcare and reducing extreme poverty, alongside expanding educational opportunities and access to information technology.

### Lee Kun-hee and South Korea

#### Early Life and Career
Lee Kun-hee was born on January 9, 1942, in Uiryeong, South Gyeongsang, during what was then Japanese-occupied Korea. He was the third son of Lee Byung-chul, the founder of the Samsung Group, which started as a trading company in 1938. Lee Kun-hee joined the company in the 1960s and later took over as chairman in 1987 following his father's death.

#### Expansion of Samsung
Under Lee's leadership, Samsung transformed from a local conglomerate into a global powerhouse. Focus was divested from numerous industries to concentrate primarily on electronics, particularly semiconductors and mobile phones. This shift was marked by significant investment in research and development, leading to innovations that positioned Samsung as a leader in these industries.

#### Billionaire Status
Lee Kun-hee's ascension to billionaire status was directly tied to the growth of Samsung, particularly in the electronics sector. During the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, as the global demand for consumer electronics surged, Samsung's profits soared, increasing Lee's personal net worth substantially. By the early 2000s, Lee was recognized as South Korea's first billionaire.

#### Legacy and Philanthropy
Despite facing several legal issues and controversies over the years, Lee's impact on South Korean economy and the global technology market is undeniable. He also engaged in various philanthropic activities, focusing mainly on education and cultural initiatives.

### Conclusion

The stories of Bill Gates in the United States and Lee Kun-hee in South Korea illustrate not only the personal achievements of each individual but also reflect the broader economic and technological advances of their respective nations. Their journeys to becoming their country's first male billionaires showcase different paths to financial success and influence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Each has left a lasting legacy that continues to influence global technology and business.