Asia Specific
Asia Specific is a BBC World Service podcast that provides essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond, it covers topics such as US-China trade, political dynasties in Southeast Asia, and South Korea's soft power. The podcast offers Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis of a region home to nearly 2.5 billion people. New episodes are released twice a week.
Episodes
An awkward accident shines a spotlight on Hyrox
Top Australian Hyrox athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has apologised after soiling herself during a race in Beijing, saying she would withdraw from the event and forfeit the points she earned. The company behind the fitness phenomenon has also apologised for allowing her to continue and win, amid criticism over hygiene and athlete welfare.The incident has shone a spotlight on the rapidly growing fitness tr
Inside Australia's plan to beat the algorithm
Australia was the first country in the world to ban social media for under-16s. Now, it's taking aim at something even bigger: the algorithms that keep everyone hooked. Under a new "My Feed, My Way" proposal, tech companies could be forced to let users switch off the personalised recommendation systems that decide what they see on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Supporters say it could reduce expos
Why are Australia’s native animals going extinct?
Australia is home to some of the world's most distinctive wildlife — nearly 90% of its mammals exist nowhere else on Earth. But Australia is also where a mammal extinction is happening at an alarming pace. Species are disappearing at a rate of roughly four every decade, driven by feral predators, habitat destruction, and a changing climate. Feral cats alone kill an estimated three billion native a
Can Indonesia stop SE Asia’s annual smoke haze?
Haze wafting across borders in South East Asia is an annual problem, so why can’t the countries responsible stop it happening?The haze is primarily caused by farmers and landowners slashing and burning plots of land - a relatively cheap and fast way of preparing a field for crops.This year, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto is talking tough towards those responsible for the fires, pledging to
Is Hong Kong cinema’s golden age over?
From Jackie Chan and Wong Kar-wai to the city’s gritty crime thrillers and romantic dramas, there was a time when Hong Kong cinema was everywhere. The city was once one of Asia’s great filmmaking capitals, producing movies and stars that became cultural icons around the world. But today, that creative energy is looking increasingly hard to find.The national security law, tighter censorship and the
The AI data centre boom in South East Asia
The AI boom means data centres are being built at an unprecedented pace around the world and in South East Asia, Malaysia has emerged as one of the biggest hubs for this expansion.
But the rapid construction growth for data centres is also prompting a backlash. Data centres can consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, while critics question how many long-term jobs they actually create f
What if leaving your bedroom felt impossible?
Across Asia, a growing number of young people are becoming hikikomori, a term used to describe people who suffer from a severe social withdrawal. They shut themselves in their homes, retreating from work, school, or their families for months, sometimes years. That condition was first observed in Japan but other countries like South Korea, China and Singapore have since reported a rising number of
Bonus: What caused Nepal’s deadly flash floods?
Frantic search efforts are underway in Nepal and the Tibetan side of the Chinese border after a devastating flash flood and landslide swept through a valley.Thousands of rescue personnel have been deployed as crews search through thick mud and debris for survivors, with hundreds of people unaccounted for at the time of recording - August 27th, 2026. Host Mariko Oi speaks to a journalist from the B
Why are lab monkeys so expensive?
Seen as pests in some parts of Asia, long-tailed macaques are highly sought-after in the world of biopharmaceutical research for drug development.
But now a worldwide shortage means one monkey can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, so what’s driving up the cost? China’s fast-developing biopharmaceutical industry has created more demand for macaques, and South East Asia is jumping on the oppor
The fight to define ‘Asian pop’ at the Grammys
The Grammys created a new category for Asian pop music, but BTS have decided to withdraw from the awards in 2027.
The group says music should be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.The Recording Academy, organisers of the Grammy Awards, said the creation of several new categories, including Asian pop, is meant to make the ceremony more inclusive.So, is
Why North East Asia is wary of immigration
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is tightening visa and residency rules for foreigners amid growing concerns about the pace of immigration in recent years. But Japan’s overall population continues to shrink alongside neighbouring China and South Korea, raising a question: Why don’t these countries embrace larger-scale immigration as a way to offset the decline?Takaichi’s changes to permanent
The politics around China’s own ‘manosphere’
China has a growing “manosphere”. But it isn't a copy of the one in the West. So what's fuelling the anger among many young Chinese men?There are no Andrew Tate-style influencers leading a movement. Instead, frustration is spread across online communities where some young men vent about dating and the cost of building a family.The soaring cost of marriage and the long shadow of the one-child polic
Why Thailand welcoming Myanmar’s leader caused anger
Myanmar’s military-backed government is seeking legitimacy from its neighbours, more than five years after troops overthrew a democratically-elected government and triggered a bloody civil war.So does this mean the imprisoned former leader and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will be released? Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing pulled off a huge diplomatic victory with a red carpet welcome from in
Are the glory days of cheap flights in Asia over?
If you’ve ever booked a flight across Asia for less than US$100, you might have asked the question many travellers are now wondering: was that a temporary golden age, or can cheap travel make a comeback?Asia used to be the home of ultra-cheap flights, but many travellers say those days are fading fast. Rising fuel prices, aircraft shortages and heavy post-pandemic debt are putting pressure on budg
Bonus: Why does Trump care about the Japanese yen?
In a highly unusual move, the US has stepped in to back Japan's currency, the yen. Donald Trump calls it a "signal of friendship" but what is Washington hoping to achieve? And what does the move reveal about Japan's economy, after years of deflation and ultra-low interest rates? In this special bonus episode, Asia Specific podcast host Mariko Oi joins as guest of the BBC Business Daily podcast hos
Can China deal with a huge graduate glut?
A record 12.7 million university students in China are about to enter the workforce, putting an already strained job market under unprecedented pressure.China’s youth unemployment rate has been relatively high, hovering around 15%, but the growing challenge of AI has some analysts forecasting a youth jobless spike.Artificial intelligence is starting to replace an entire layer of entry-level positi
What is behind Vietnam’s counterfeit crackdown?
The worldwide counterfeit and pirated goods industry is estimated to be worth almost half-a-trillion US dollars, and Vietnam is one of the most significant players in the illicit trade. But now the country’s government is seeking to change that.
In May 2026, Vietnam was named by the US government as one of the worst offenders for Intellectual Property right violations.
Combined with fresh th
Why people in China aren’t spending
China is famous for making products the world wants to buy, but inside the country, consumers are spending far less than the government would like.A property slump, high youth unemployment and weak confidence have left many households choosing to save instead of spend, making it harder for China to shift its economy away from relying on exports.The Chinese government has introduced a range of meas
Why more countries are favouring China over the US
For the first time in 20 years, a major global survey conducted between February and May of 2026 has found that more countries favour China over the US.
The Pew Research Center, a non-partisan, US-based think tank, found that China’s global image is eclipsing that of the US, with 25 out of 36 countries surveyed preferring China over the US – a reversal from previous years.The shift comes as Presid
China's humanoid robot boom
Humanoid robots are suddenly everywhere - dancing, boxing, running marathons and even attempting surgery. China is leading the charge, producing the vast majority of the world's humanoid robots. But beyond the viral videos, are these machines actually useful?Why has China emerged as the global leader in robot manufacturing? How is AI transforming what robots can do? And can countries like the US,
Inside a major baby trafficking trial in Indonesia
Multiple families in Singapore are facing an unimaginable possibility that the children they legally adopted from Indonesia may have been victims of an alleged baby trafficking network.A major trial is underway in Indonesia involving 19 defendants accused of buying babies, forging documents, and arranging adoptions of the children, including at least 12 babies who were brought to Singapore. The de
Why armed men killed a US pilot in Indonesia
On July 2, separatist rebels released a video saying that they had shot dead a US pilot and set his plane on fire in Indonesia's far eastern Papua region. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) said they killed 29-year-old Nicholas F Gosselin after he landed in the Highland Papua province, and claimed that the pilot had been transporting Indonesian troops into the region. Indonesia’s mi
Why can’t Japan have a female emperor?
The Japanese imperial family is running out of members — with only 16 royals remaining, questions are growing about the future of the world's oldest hereditary monarchy. So what is the Japanese government's plan to safeguard the imperial line, and why is it proving so controversial?
Japan is facing a royal succession dilemma. With a shrinking imperial family, fewer members are available to carry o
Thailand’s sex worker legal limbo
The murder of a 17-year-old girl in the coastal city of Pattaya, allegedly by a 45-year-old Australian man has sparked a discussion about whether legalising sex work in Thailand could make it safer. Tunchanok Donhomla’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase in late June near a railway track. The man accused of killing her, Simon Peter Carman, has been charged with murder and abducting a minor for i
Are microdramas the future of entertainment?
If you’re on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, chances are you’ve come across microdramas: 30 to 90-second videos with over-the-top and emotional plots. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger. It’s easy to get addicted.Microdramas first started in China around 2018, and in 2024 the microdrama industry surpassed China’s film box office for the first time.The success of this multibillion dollar model has
Why cancer patients are travelling to China
Cancer patients are increasingly travelling to China for CAR-T therapy. How did China become a leader in cancer treatment and could it become a major medical tourism destination?
What makes a Pokemon card worth millions?
This year Youtuber Logan Paul sold the world’s rarest Pokemon card for a record-breaking 16 million USD.He isn’t the only one selling Pokemon cards for huge sums.Cards from the 30-year-old Japanese game and animation franchise have become one of the most sought-after items for collectors, with both fans new and old getting in on the action.What drives this market, and are these traders real Pokemo
Is North Korea getting richer?
North Korea and Russia are about to open their first road bridge connection, deepening a partnership that has rapidly expanded since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The growing relationship is helping fuel one of the most surprising stories in Asia today: North Korea's economy appears to be performing far better than many expected.New housing projects are transforming Pyongyang, consumer activity ha
Will Japan turn away from pacifism?
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she wants a vote on amending Japan's constitution, reviving a debate that could reshape the country's Self-Defence Forces, its alliance with the US, and relations across Asia.Japan's post-war constitution has remained unchanged since it came into force in 1947. Its famous 'Article 9' renounces war and appears to prohibit the country from maintaining arme
Asia’s affordable housing problem
Australia's government is winding back tax incentives for property investors in a bid to make housing more affordable - but will it work?From Sydney to Seoul, Bangkok to Beijing, housing affordability has become one of the biggest economic and political issues facing young people across Asia Pacific. In many major cities, home prices have risen far faster than incomes, leaving many first-time bu
Could changing the way we date solve Asia's low fertility rates?
A slight uptick in South Korea’s notoriously low fertility rate in the last two years has begged the question - are government policies to encourage dating, marriage and babies working?It’s a question governments across Asia are asking, a region where fertility rates are at very low levels, particularly in Japan, China, Taiwan and Singapore. Governments across the region have been rolling out init
Could an Asian team win the World Cup?
There are more Asian teams competing in this year's FIFA World Cup than ever before, but can any of them win?
With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, Asia has nine nations plus New Zealand from the Oceania confederation competing for the prize across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Many, like Saudi Arabia and Iran are from the Middle East, but East and South East Asia will be represented by Worl
Bonus: Xi Jinping's North Korea visit
Having welcomed Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to Beijing, China's leader is making his first overseas trip of this year to North Korea.It's Xi Jinping's first visit to Pyongyang in seven years, and he's visiting a nation bolstered by an increasingly close relationship with Russia, which has seen North Korean troops on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Why would a leader used to welcoming foreign di
Thailand’s tourism challenge
Thailand has cut the visa-free stay time for tourists, but will it boost numbers for an industry which is a lifeblood of the economy? Tourist numbers have fallen and have never gone back to the same level as before the Covid pandemic. While the government has been trying to shore up tourist numbers, in May Thailand cut visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 to 30 days. So what is the thinking
South Korea’s stock boom
AI is fuelling the biggest stock market rally in the world. South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index has nearly doubled in value this year – a rally driven largely by semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have benefited from soaring global demand for AI memory chips. The surge has also attracted waves of retail investors. Advocates say the boom reflects South Korea's central role
Asia’s 'irrelevant' uni degree question
Comments by a senior Indonesian official about students pursuing “irrelevant” university degrees has sparked a debate about what sort of careers will survive in a fast-changing job market.
Indonesia is looking at ways to better equip universities and vocational schools for the future job market, and a relatively low level of graduates with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
The US-China robotaxi race
Who will dominate in the race to develop and scale self-driving cars - the US or China? The two countries are far ahead in the autonomous vehicle space. While the technology has many applications, the most obvious one – and the one most talked about – is robotaxis. As driverless cars increasingly start being rolled out in cities around the world, we unpack whether funding and user experience or sc
The Philippines beauty pageant controversy
A recent victory by a Filipina American beauty pageant contestant has sparked a debate about what it means to truly represent the Philippines.
The country has arguably the most enthusiastic beauty pageant culture in the world, with widespread fame and life-changing opportunities awaiting winners.
But the winner of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines Bea Millan-Windorski has had to defend h
Why North Korea became a women's football powerhouse
North Korean women footballers are heading to South Korea, in a closely watched match taking place at a moment of deep tension between the two neighbours.The two Koreas are still technically at war, and official contact between Pyongyang and Seoul has been minimal in recent years. But sport has long played a unique role in inter-Korean relations - from unified Olympic marches to politically charge
Bali’s rubbish crisis
Bali is facing a worsening rubbish crisis, with landfill restrictions causing garbage to pile up, on an island already infamous for plastic-strewn beaches. As the main landfill site tightens rules on organic waste, local communities are left scrambling for alternatives, and in some cases, resorting to burning rubbish.Indonesia’s president has even weighed in, criticising the island’s cleanliness a
The US-China problem
The relationship between the United States and China affects everything from global trade and technology to climate policy and security. But how well do the two superpowers really understand each other?
Donald Trump’s visit, from 13-15 May, will be the first to China by a US president in nearly a decade.We examine the assumptions, misconceptions and political narratives shaping one of the world’
Is India’s internet becoming more like China’s?
India and China have long taken very different approaches to controlling the internet. But is that gap starting to narrow?India’s government is proposing new rules that could bring bloggers, influencers and online creators under regulations similar to those governing traditional broadcasters. Officials say it’s about accountability, but critics worry it could limit free expression and political sp
Can China reverse a billion-dollar tech deal?
A $2 billion deal between Meta and rising AI company Manus was done and then suddenly, China stepped in and blocked it. The move stunned the tech world. Manus, a fast-growing AI startup with roots in China but based in Singapore, had been gaining attention for its powerful AI agent tools. Meta - the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp - saw it as a strategic bet in the race to dominate
New Zealand and India’s trade deal row
New Zealand has signed a major free trade deal with India, but a provision to lock in thousands of skilled migrants each year has sparked a backlash. The agreement promises economic benefits for both countries, including expanded trade and easier movement for Indian skilled workers. But a comment by a senior minister in the governing coalition describing the migration agreements as a “butter chick
Can Vietnam still reach its growth target?
The country’s economy - forecast to grow at the fastest pace in South East Asia this year - is under pressure, with manufacturers hit by oil price hikes from the conflict in the Middle East. Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is one of the country’s main engines of growth.The government has set its economic growth target at 10% over the next five years, and the country has been outpacing its regional
Japan’s megaquake threat
How prepared is Japan for a major earthquake? The country has been on high alert for aftershocks since this week’s magnitude 7.7 quake, with thousands of people urged to seek higher ground.Scientists have warned for decades that a powerful quake along the Nankai Trough could strike, triggering potentially devastating tsunamis and widespread destruction.In this episode of Asia Specific, we explore
Indonesia’s US airspace deal risks China ties
What would a deal with the US military mean for Indonesia’s ties to China? The proposal being considered by Indonesia would allow US military aircraft easier access to its airspace. But it has ignited debate in a country that’s long had a non-aligned foreign policy stance. We discuss this possible shift in strategy, the US military presence in the region and how a potential deal is being viewed by
Who’s winning the EV race?
Are high energy prices prompting a shift to electric vehicles in Asia? In China, more than half of all new cars sold are now electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. But across the rest of Asia, the shift is much slower, in part due to a lack of charging infrastructure. Will high oil prices due to the Iran conflict be the catalyst to change that?Chinese carmakers are rapidly expanding into Southeast
Thailand’s complicated relationship with tourism
Songkran - Thailand’s biggest new year water festival is underway. People visit family in their hometowns during the holiday season and wash the feet of their elders with scented water in a cleansing ritual. But the energy crisis has made driving back home prohibitively expensive for many locals this year.In the capital of Bangkok, however, celebrations are taking place as usual. Every year, the c
Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, one year on
How have US tariffs changed the way countries in Asia trade and what has been the impact on the region?US President Donald Trump announced a slew of tariffs in April last year on more than 90 countries. For a while, it threatened to damage global trade and grind business investments to a halt. Then, earlier this year, the US Supreme Court struck down most of the tariffs the White House announced i
Bonus: What an Iran US ceasefire means for Asia
US President Donald Trump says he believes China helped push Iran towards the two-week ceasefire. With Pakistan leading talks between Iran and the US, what role is China, Pakistan’s close friend and neighbour, playing behind the scenes?
What will this conditional ceasefire mean for Asia’s energy shortage? And does a two-week truce mean Southeast Asian countries, grappling with high oil and gas pri
Who is leading the race to the Moon?
The US Artemis II mission around the Moon is part of a plan to establish a long-term human presence beyond Earth. But it’s not alone. China has been steadily advancing its space programme, with plans to land its own astronauts on the moon by 2030 and develop a permanent lunar base in the years that follow.More than half a century after the Apollo missions, the focus has shifted from symbolic first
Is Australia seeing an immigration backlash?
The right-wing populist One Nation has a breakthrough with voters. Pauline Hanson’s party recently secured more than 20 per cent of the vote in a South Australia state election - its first major breakthrough outside her home state of Queensland. It’s also the strongest showing by a minor party in a system long dominated by two political heavyweights: Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party of
The billion dollar return of K-pop kings BTS
BTS is as much of a cultural phenomenon as they are a K-pop band, but after four years off, can they rekindle the magic that made them a music and economic juggernaut? In the years before they went on hiatus for military service, BTS helped propel K-pop to the forefront of international music charts, and they became global cultural ambassadors. Their comeback concert in central Seoul was described
South East Asia’s oil shortage fears
Why has the Iran war left the region’s oil supply so exposed? Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and China are all bringing in different measures to try and control the situation - from making government employees work from home, to restricting fuel exports, to a four-day week.Around a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz - a narrow strip of water along the southern coa
What message does the Iran war send to Asia’s nuclear powers?
Will North Korea and China rethink their weapons programme after the US-Israeli attacks on Iran? Pyongyang has come under pressure from the US in recent years over its nuclear stance and China, experts believe, is expanding its arsenal. The US and Israel’s attacks on Iran are partly aimed at destroying Tehran’s nuclear weapons capability. We discuss what could be the potential impact on future nuc
The US-China crypto split
The superpowers of US and China are taking starkly different directions on cryptocurrency trading. So, what is behind this and what does it mean for the future of crypto?The US under President Donald Trump positions itself as a pro-crypto hub to foster innovation. China under President Xi Jinping has imposed a strict ban on domestic trading and mining of digital currency since 2019. Because of tha
Can China’s economy survive global shocks?
China’s growth is slowing as the US-Israel war with Iran jolts the world economy and oil prices spike. Once seen as the growth engine of Asia and the world, China is now trying to shield its giant economy from external shocks, this year setting its lowest economic growth target in more than three decades. Can China’s leaders build a more self-reliant economy? And is it still on track to overtake t
Is AI threatening Japan’s manga industry?
Creators of Japan’s popular manga comics see both threat and opportunity in AI. Some think it can help with labour shortages and boost productivity, but many artists and publishers fear copyright infringement, falling incomes and the devaluation of human artistry.Major publishers have taken a firm stance against AI-generated submissions. AI can generate anime-style characters in seconds. In this e
China warns against ‘law of the jungle’ after US-Israeli strikes on Iran
China has warned against the ‘law of the jungle’ after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but will Iran's biggest oil buyer take any tangible measures?The conflict in the Middle East is widening, with missile and drone strikes hitting Iran, Israel and neighbouring countries, and Washington is now warning its campaign could continue for weeks. China is often viewed as Tehran’s key international backer. It
The boom in queer romance shows
Same-sex romance dramas are booming across Asia, but does that mean there’s growing tolerance towards LGBTQ communities?
What began as a niche genre in Japan has become a regional phenomenon, with countries like Thailand producing hugely popular series that travel far beyond Asia.
Streaming platforms and shows like The Boyfriend and Heated Rivalry have helped bring these stories to global audience
Marcos v Duterte: The family feud shaking the Philippines
The Vice-President of the Philippines Sara Duterte has announced she will run for the Presidency, more than two years out from the next election. While long expected that she would seek the top job, why is she announcing her bid so early? Is a bitter feud with the current President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jnr a factor?Four years ago she joined forces with Marcos and the pair won the Presidency a
Inside Singapore’s war on vapes
Singapore has launched a crackdown on vapes, eight years after banning the product, moving in lockstep with several countries around the world in clamping down on e-cigarettes. The campaign comes as a rising number of teenagers in the country are found to have been using k-pods - vapes that are laced with the drug etomidate, an anaesthetic agent used in hospitals. The new penalties include fines,
Bonus: South Korea’s former leader convicted for insurrection
Yoon Suk Yeol - former South Korean president - is sentenced to life in prison but avoids the death penalty, in an insurrection case that has gripped the nation. He was found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to his brief declaration of martial law in December 2024. Prosecutors called it an attempt to subvert the constitutional order by deploying troops around parliament and targeting polit
Why don’t Chinese workers get more leave?
Chinese workers officially get nine days off for this Lunar New Year – the longest stretch of public holiday on record. But, as millions move around the country in the annual travel rush, they’ve found there’s a catch. Some of those days must be made up by working weekends. Many workers are guaranteed just five days of paid annual leave, far fewer than in other major economies. And the work cultur
The pressure to be thin in Asia
Bodyweight influences in Asia - from fashion to K-pop to social media. We examine perceptions around thinness and why Asia didn’t follow the body positivity movement championed in Western countries.The pressure to be thin shapes how many young people in Asia see their bodies, with extreme diets amplified on social media.Host Mariko Oi is joined by Rachel Lee from the Asia Specific team and chef an
What do Thailand’s election results mean?
Voters in Thailand stick with the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, in a shock national election result. But why did Thais reject the opposition movement, after polls showed an appetite for change?The elected leaders – seen as part of the political establishment – now have the challenge of rebuilding Thailand’s struggling economy. A former fast-growing Southeast Asian powerhouse, Thailand now faces
Bonus: Japan PM’s landslide election win
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi now has the mandate she's been seeking, after a record-breaking election win. But since becoming the nation’s first female leader in October, her time in office has been overshadowed by a bitter dispute with Beijing. Japanese tourism, seafood and entertainment businesses have taken the brunt of Chinese economic retaliation.Beijing remains angry that Takaichi i
Malaysia's football scandal
Fifa has accused Malaysia of trying to fast-track foreign football players into the men's national team. In one of the biggest scandals in the country’s football history, football's governing body alleges citizenship documents have been doctored.Fifa launched an investigation after Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last June, when seven new foreign-born players were in
Bonus: What in the World
Videos of strangers offering parental love are gaining traction in China. POV videos of parents doing everyday things - like telling you to wrap up when it’s cold outside or reminding you not to skip meals - are racking up millions of views. Fans leave lots of comments sending love to their digital mums and dads, but lots of the most popular accounts weren’t originally set up for this purpose. So
The daughter who could rule North Korea
Will North Korea’s next leader be Kim Jong Un’s daughter? It’s time to meet Kim Ju Ae. For the past 15 years Kim Jong Un has been the face of North Korea, but now a new Kim is increasingly sharing the stage. Is Kim Ju Ae being prepared to become the first female leader in the country’s history? Or will North Korea's male-dominated political and dynastic culture prove too strong for that to happen?
China's extraordinary purge of military leaders
China’s President Xi Jinping is overseeing an unprecedented purge of military generals. In late 2022, Xi Jinping appointed six men to serve under him at the top of China’s 2-million strong armed forces. Now, in just over three years, he has removed five out of six of the members of the Central Military Commission, or CMC. One by one, they have been placed under investigation for corruption and dis
Why the Philippines’ most valuable export is its people
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest exporters of labour, sending millions of workers overseas each year - many of them women employed as domestic helpers in places like Singapore and Hong Kong. For families struggling with low wages and limited opportunities at home, overseas work can mean financial stability through remittances.But that choice comes at a cost. Parents leave children beh
Japan's snap election: Inside Takaichi’s political gamble
Just three months into the job, Japan’s first female prime minister Sanae Takaichi has called a snap election, betting that high approval ratings will give her a public mandate. Critics say it’s opportunistic and risky, especially as voters face rising prices and lingering political scandals.In this episode, we look at why Takaichi is taking this gamble now, what she hopes to gain, and how her sud
Why South Korea keeps jailing its ex-presidents
The former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been found guilty on multiple charges over his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024 - he faces up to ten years in prison, and even the death penalty over charges of insurrection and abuse of power.His prosecution has reopened a familiar question in South Korea: why do so many of its former leaders end up jailed, disgraced, or worse? Is th
Can electric bikes save Vietnam's most polluted cities?
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City rank among the world’s most polluted cities. The millions of petrol motorbikes are huge contributors to the pollution. Vietnam’s government now says it has the answer: electric bikes.Vietnam is betting on one of the boldest electric mobility plans, pushing more than 70 million riders to switch from petrol motorbikes to e-bikes, starting in the capital. The aim is to clea
Which Asian country has the world's best passport and why?
Singapore doesn’t just have the best passport in Asia. By some metrics, it has the best passport in the world. What does that really mean though?Singaporeans can travel to 193 countries without a visa. Chinese passport holders, in contrast, can travel to just over 80 countries visa-free. In fact, the top three countries with the strongest passport are all in Asia: Singapore, Japan, and South Korea
How do journalists cover a disputed election in Myanmar?
Myanmar’s military is holding a stage-managed election, but will it change anything?A raging civil war, a popular former leader detained, and an exodus of citizens abroad aren't ideal conditions for holding an election. Yet Myanmar’s military junta government is pressing ahead with a three-stage vote that many outside observers say is being held in a climate of fear. With early results confirming
Inside South Korea's K-beauty obsession
As South Korea's entertainment and cultural soft power surges abroad, the country's cosmetics industry is also riding the wave of growing popularity. South Korea's 'K-beauty' skincare and makeup brands have gone mainstream in the US and UK, with sales worth billions of dollars and social media platforms driving global demand.But behind the glossy packaging and viral trends is a society long associ
Why many in Taiwan dismiss China’s threat to blockade and invade their island
China has given its clearest sign so far at how it would blockade and forcefully take Taiwan, with large-scale military drills surrounding the island. The live-fire exercises disrupted up to 100,000 airline passengers as Chinese forces simulated blockading ports and stopping cargo ships carrying American weapons to help the Taiwanese defend themselves. China claims the drills show its military’s i
