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?

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 Pokemon fans or profit-seeking card flippers?

On this episode, host Mariko Oi is joined by journalist Derek Cai from the Asia Specific podcast team along with Jordan Middler, a video game journalist and critic.

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

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