Asia Specific

A $6.3bn USD heist from cryptocurrency exchange Binance has shone a light on North Korea’s hacking capabilities. While Pyongyang denies it, the theft has experts questioning how the country has managed to develop such cyber expertise. Asia Specific podcast host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and North Korea expert Shreyas Reddy

It's the salacious scandal sending shockwaves through the most consequential relationship in global politics, so how will an affair involving the head of the world's most important AI chip company with an alleged Chinese spy change US technology policy?Jensen Huang has publicly apologised to his family and admitted infidelity, but this is no ordinary personal scandal. Figures within the US intelligence community have for weeks been leaking allegations to media outlets claiming the head of chipmaker Nvidia had been close to a Singapore-based data centre executive who the US deemed to be a Chinese intelligence asset.Beijing has rejected the claims and the US President says he believes Huang genuinely didn't know the woman was a Chinese spy. But analysts believe the leaking of the information in the first place reflects concerns by some in Washington that Huang is too close to the President.And too influential over decisions about how or if the US should restrict the sale of Nvidia's most powerful AI chips to China. On this episode, Asia Specific podcast host Mariko Oi speaks to Tim Culpan, technology journalist, researcher and writer based in Taipei.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/4iJyeVtGet in touch: [email protected]

Would you allow doctors to break your bones so you can grow a few centimetres taller? Orthopaedic surgeons say more people are considering it, despite lengthy recovery times and the risk of serious complications.The procedure – called limb lengthening surgery – isn’t new. The technique was developed in the 1950s as a corrective surgery for misaligned or deformed legs. Over time, some surgeons started performing the surgery on patients who want to be taller for cosmetic reasons.In many cases, patients have to use wheelchairs, walkers and crutches for months after surgery, and doctors have warned that follow-up treatment and care is often lacking for people who go abroad for the surgery to save money.On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is first joined by Rachel Lee, a journalist on the podcast team who interviewed a social media influencer, known online as Dong Baek Kim, who had the surgery performed on him in South Korea, and grew seven centimetres taller.Later in the episode, Mariko speaks to two surgeons; Dr Sarbjit Singh specialises in both medical and elective limb-lengthening surgery in Singapore, and Dr Nobuyuki Takenaka, who does the same type of surgery for patients for medical reasons.This episode discusses height dysphoria in Asia. Viewers who identify with the issues raised are encouraged to seek medical support wherever they are based.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. Search Asia Specific on YouTube for video episodes.Get in touch: [email protected]

The most prominent young face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, Joshua Wong, has been sentenced to ten years in jail for colluding with foreign forces. Wong, now 30, pleaded guilty in one of the most closely-watched cases under a security law that Beijing imposed on the city in 2020. The ten year sentence for what a judge described as a crime of 'a grave nature' comes as Wong was nearing the end of a six-year stint behind bars for a series of other political and protest-related convictions. In this latest case, Wong was accused of advocating for foreign countries to impose economic sanctions on Hong Kong and apply pressure over the Chinese government's rule in the city. The sweeping law introduced in 2020 was the Chinese government's response to prolonged large-scale pro-democracy protests which often turned violent. Close to 100 people have been prosecuted for security-related political action since the national security law was introduced. Asia Specific podcast editor Bill Birtles, who covered the 2019 protests, joins host Mariko Oi to unpack the legal case. We also hear from Frances Hui, a friend of Joshua Wong and a fellow activist.This is a special bonus episode of Asia Specific recorded on 5/11/2026. 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/4iJyeVtGet in touch: [email protected]

A series of cases involving exam cheating with AI glasses in South Korea has universities and schools scrambling to rein in the use of the technology. As South Korea’s most important academic exam, the Suneung approaches, schools are testing new methods to detect and ban smart glasses in exam halls. Beyond exam cheating, these devices also raise serious privacy and surveillance concerns. How have tech companies been responding to accusations that smart glasses are used to film others, particularly women, without their consent? As smart glasses become more accessible, and the technology becomes more ubiquitous, how can they be regulated?Presenter Mariko Oi speaks to BBC News journalist Sophie Jeong, and Dr Thomas Corbin, a professor from Deakin University, who researches university education in a world shaped by artificial intelligence.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/4iJyeVtGet in touch: [email protected]