Asia Specific Podcast
Asia Pacific - unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region.
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
Episodes to download
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The billion dollar return of the K-pop kings
Saturday
Can South Korea’s biggest boyband BTS still dominate K-pop after four years off?
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South East Asia’s oil shortage fears
Last Wednesday
Why has the Iran war left the region’s oil supply so exposed?
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What message does the Iran war send to Asia’s nuclear powers?
Wed 18 Mar 2026
Will North Korea and China rethink their weapons programme after the attacks on Iran?
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The US-China crypto split
Sat 14 Mar 2026
Why do the superpowers of US and China see cryptocurrency so differently?
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Can China’s economy survive global shocks?
Wed 11 Mar 2026
China’s growth is slowing as the US-Israel war with Iran jolts the world economy
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Is AI threatening Japan’s manga industry?
Sat 7 Mar 2026
Creators of Japan’s popular manga comics see both threat and opportunity in AI
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China warns against ‘law of the jungle’ after US-Israeli strikes on Iran
Mon 2 Mar 2026
China condemns US actions in Iran, but will support for Tehran go beyond rhetoric?
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The boom in queer romance shows
Sat 28 Feb 2026
How same-sex romance dramas have moved into mainstream pop culture in Asia
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Marcos v Duterte: The family feud shaking the Philippines
Wed 25 Feb 2026
Sara Duterte announces bid for the top job in a deepening family dynasty political battle
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Inside Singapore’s war on vapes
Sat 21 Feb 2026
Why Singapore is going all out on its campaign against vaping
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Bonus: South Korea’s former leader convicted for insurrection
Thu 19 Feb 2026
Will a life sentence for South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol end divisions?
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Why don’t Chinese workers get more leave?
Wed 18 Feb 2026
Chinese workers officially get nine days off for Lunar New Year – but there’s a catch
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The pressure to be thin in Asia
Sat 14 Feb 2026
Bodyweight influences in Asia - from fashion to K-pop to social media
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What do Thailand’s election results mean?
Wed 11 Feb 2026
Voters in Thailand stick with the conservatives in national elections
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Bonus: Japan PM’s landslide election win
Mon 9 Feb 2026
What will Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi do now she has a resounding mandate?
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Malaysia's football scandal
Sat 7 Feb 2026
Fifa has accused Malaysia of trying to fast-track foreign players into the national team
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Bonus: What in the World
Wed 4 Feb 2026
Why are people in China looking for parental love from strangers?
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The daughter who could rule North Korea
Sun 1 Feb 2026
Will North Korea’s next leader be Kim Jong Un’s daughter? It’s time to meet Kim Ju Ae
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China's extraordinary purge of military leaders
Wed 28 Jan 2026
China’s President Xi Jinping is overseeing an unprecedented purge of military generals
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Why the Philippines’ most valuable export is its people
Sat 24 Jan 2026
Will a day come when Filipinos won’t need to leave their families behind to find work?
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Japan's snap election: Inside Takaichi’s political gamble
Wed 21 Jan 2026
Why Japan’s new PM called a snap election and what her viral diplomacy reveals
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Why South Korea keeps jailing its ex-presidents
Sat 17 Jan 2026
The former President Yoon Suk Yeol faces up to ten years in prison
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Can electric bikes save Vietnam's most polluted cities?
Wed 14 Jan 2026
Vietnam pushes more than 70 million riders to switch their petrol motorbikes to e-bikes
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Which Asian country has the world's best passport and why?
Sat 10 Jan 2026
What does a strong passport say about how a country practices diplomacy?
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How do journalists cover a disputed election in Myanmar?
Wed 7 Jan 2026
Myanmar’s military is holding a stage-managed election, but will it change anything?
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Inside South Korea's K-beauty obsession
Sat 3 Jan 2026
Behind Korea's booming skincare trend, a society grapples with intense beauty standards
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Why many in Taiwan dismiss China’s threat to blockade and invade their island
Wed 31 Dec 2025
China claims its latest military drills show the goal of taking Taiwan is getting closer
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The paradise island nation caught between the US, Taiwan and China
Sat 27 Dec 2025
Why Palau’s Taiwan ties make it a key player in US-China rivalry
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Food, flags and feuds: Why Asians fight over cuisine
Christmas Eve 2025
Why Asian neighbours clash over food, identity and who gets to tell the story
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Can Prabowo Subianto finally unleash Indonesia’s potential?
Sat 20 Dec 2025
A year into his free food programme, are the Indonesian president's plans on track?
