Is North Korea creating world class hackers?

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]

Kylian Mbappé has scored an own goal in China with an indirect joking reference to national political hero Mao Zedong as a “dictator”. So will a flurry of apologies from him, his club and the Spanish La Liga league be enough to defuse a costly backlash in China? In a video that went viral, the Real Madrid star who is nicknamed ‘The Dictator’ for his dominant presence on and off the field was asked about his favourite meme. His reference to one with a “Chinese dictator”, presumed to refer to the founding leader of Communist China Mao Zedong, prompted sponsors to dump him and China to pull the La Liga from being shown in the country. But he’s hardly the first foreign star who has apologised. Previous big names who have said sorry include wrestler and actor John Cena, fashion designers Dolce and Gabbana and model Gigi Hadid. Their offences in the eyes of the Chinese state have varied - from referring to the self-ruled island Taiwan as a ‘country’ to making content deemed racially or culturally insensitive. So why do celebrities and big brands keep falling foul of China’s political red lines, and what does it say about China’s influence over global business? On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by BBC Beijing correspondent Stephen McDonell and China Sports Insider founder Mark Dreyer. 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, please search Asia Specific in YouTube.Get in touch: [email protected]

Japan has been ranked the lowest in East and South East Asia for gender equality in a major annual index, even though the country now has a female Prime Minister. Japan ranked 117th out of 145 countries in the World Economic Forum’s latest gender gap index, lagging behind regional neighbours China and South Korea.One of the WEF’s key considerations is female political representation, but the historic rise of the country’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over the past year has done little to move Japan’s ranking. Recently Takaichi stirred debate by saying she spends three to four more hours a day than her male predecessors on housework and make-up, drawing criticism that she is reinforcing expectations that women should do more domestic duties. So is Japan’s first female prime minister a trailblazer for women, or a reminder of how deep traditional expectations run?On this episode of Asia Specific podcast, host Mariko Oi is joined by Tokyo local councillor Risa Kamio to alongside the Editor of the podcast Bill Birtles.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]

As AI gets better at translating languages, what will happen to human interpreters?Interpreters serve as a crucial bridge at international high-level meetings, arbitration hearings and events. AI is already able to swiftly and accurately translate text while voice recognition technology is now transforming real time interpreting. Already some companies are using the technology to teach foreign languages, making it more accessible than ever for students to learn. But is there any point anymore in learning a new language? And is the human element enough for the men and women whispering in the ears of senior figures at high stakes meetings to keep their profession? Or will cost-conscious clients put their faith in the capabilities of AI instead?On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to two interpreters – Rex Chen, an Australian interpreter based in Beijing with over 20 years of experience interpreting for politics, business and culture, and Handewi Pramesti, a Jakarta-based translator who specializes in Indonesian to French translation.Also featured in this episode is Andrew Hsu, co-founder of the app Speak, an AI-powered language-learning app.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: [email protected]

Singapore has escalated its concerns about Southeast Asia’s worst haze in more than a decade, demanding answers from ten Indonesian companies it suspects are linked to fires that cause it. The Singaporean government has sent notices that are seen as a shot across the bow, ordering the firms to fight the fires but not directly blaming them or punishing them with fines. It’s the latest chapter in a problem the region has failed to solve for decades. Fires in Indonesia for land clearing send smoke across international borders every dry season. Despite the country having strict laws to prevent widespread burning, the problem has accelerated this year due to an unusually long dry season. Peatland fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan have created hazardous air for communities living there. Schools have temporarily closed in Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesia was slow to accept offers of help from Malaysia and Singapore, and a government spokesman’s remark that neighbours should be grateful for the oxygen that Indonesian forests create outside of the haze season deepened the row.Singapore has a Transboundary Haze Pollution Act that allows for the government to target companies that cause haze, even though the fires are overseas. Yet to date, no companies have been punished.So what could work to prevent another prolonged haze season in future?On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by Bloomberg Opinion columnist David Fickling and BBC World Service Jakarta-based journalist Astudestra Ajengrastri.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]

Electric vehicles, online shopping, and more – China’s ability to scale up and lower costs for the masses has never been disputed. But does China truly create inventions, or does it excel at perfecting pre-existing ideas?Critics have long accused China of copying, stealing and scaling up innovations from the West or Japan in recent decades. But is this accusation true? Is the ability to scale and improve existing products part of the innovation process? And has China now created the ecosystem to facilitate more innovations of its own?In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to Kenneth Huang, professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management (ISEM) and Asia Specific journalist Derek Cai. Also in this episode, David Hsu, a professor at Wharton University of Pennsylvania, explains the separation between invention and innovation, and the benefit of scaling up.