Asia Specific

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Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.ukasiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

  1. 8 hr ago

    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 has picked up and Russia has emerged as a major new source of revenue for Kim Jong Un's regime. Also, North Korea's use of cryptocurrency theft is growing while sanctions are being bypassed. But how much of this is a genuine economic transformation, and how much is a carefully managed showcase? And are ordinary North Koreans outside the capital seeing any benefits from the influx of new money? In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and Wall Street Journal reporter Dasl Yoon about what has changed inside North Korea since the pandemic, the rise of Pyongyang's new wealth, how business really operates inside one of the world's most secretive economies, and whether closer ties with Russia are reshaping North Korea's future. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    18 min

  2. 4 days ago

    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 armed forces. Yet Japan today has one of the world's most advanced armed forces and hosts the largest concentration of US troops overseas. Now, with growing concerns about China's military expansion, North Korea's missile programme, and uncertainty over America's long-term commitment to Asian security, supporters of constitutional reform argue that Japan needs to clarify its defence role and become more self-reliant. Some critics fear it could weaken Japan's pacifist identity, alarm neighbouring countries, and revive memories of Japan's wartime past. In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori and Financial Times Tokyo bureau chief Leo Lewis about why Japan's constitution is unique, how the country ended up with a military despite Article 9, what Prime Minister Takaichi wants to change, and whether Japanese voters are ready to support constitutional reform for the first time in history. Find out what Japan’s Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi says about the country’s pacifist constitution here ?dc49?dffd https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly8qd4595eo Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    20 min

  3. 16 Jun

    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 buyers feeling locked out of the market. Australia is now changing long-standing tax rules that critics say encouraged property investment and pushed up prices. But will those reforms actually make housing more affordable? And what lessons can be learned from other countries that have tried to intervene? In this episode, Mariko Oi speaks to Asia Specific editor Bill Birtles and BBC Journalist Abhiram Subramaniam about Australia's housing reforms, the affordability crisis across Asia, why governments from South Korea to China have struggled to bring prices under control. They also explore Singapore's unique public housing system, where around 80% of residents live in government-built homes, and ask whether the model could ever be replicated elsewhere. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    19 min

  4. 12 Jun

    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 initiatives to encourage dating in the hope that more couples will lead to more births, which in turn will help offset rapidly ageing populations. From sponsoring dating app subscriptions to providing financial incentives and subsidised pre-schools, do these sorts of measures actually work? On this episode, host Mariko Oi is joined by journalist Rachel Lee from the Asia Specific podcast team along with Simone Heng, an author with a focus on human connection. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    20 min

  5. 9 Jun

    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 World Cup regulars Japan, South Korea and Australia. Despite decades of investment, growing fan bases and increasingly professional leagues, no men's team from Asia has ever reached a World Cup final. So what's holding the region back from the top level of global football? Why within Asia do Japan and South Korea consistently outperform their neighbours? And what has gone wrong with China's football ambitions? In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Chief Presenter Steve Lai and Business Correspondent Nick Marsh about Asia's football culture, the challenges facing emerging football nations and which teams have the best chance of making history. We also take a listen to South Korean footballer Son Heung-min in an interview with More Than the Score. Our podcast More than the Score is at the World Cup with the football stories that go beyond the stats. Search for it – More than the Score - wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    20 min

  6. 9 Jun

    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 dignitaries make the trip to a much smaller neigbour? And what does North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un want from China? Host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC's China correspondent Laura Bicker and the Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon. This episode was recorded on June 9th. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    11 min

  7. 5 Jun

    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 behind the move and what other factors are at play? The BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head joins our host Mariko Oi to explain what is going on. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    17 min

  8. 2 Jun

    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 in the global AI supply chain while critics warn the heavy reliance on a handful of chip stocks could leave investors exposed if the AI sector loses momentum. In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and Herald van der Linde from HSBC Global Investment Research about what's behind South Korea's extraordinary stock market rally, how it compares with regional neighbours and whether investors risk getting burnt if the AI bubble bursts. Other separate entities within the broader HSBC organisation may hold positions in some of the companies discussed on this podcast. This episode was recorded May 28th, 2026. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    20 min
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About

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.ukasiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Information

  • Creator
    BBC World Service
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    Asia Specific

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