If you’re on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, chances are you’ve come across microdramas: 30 to 90-second videos with over-the-top and emotional plots. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger. It’s easy to get addicted.

Microdramas first started in China around 2018, and in 2024 the microdrama industry surpassed China’s film box office for the first time.

The success of this multibillion dollar model has since spread around the world – in the US, South Korea, and across South East Asia.

Some companies are now using Artificial Intelligence to produce these short drama series. While AI can dramatically cut production times, it is also reshaping the industry and putting jobs at risk.

In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko unpacks the economics behind the global microdrama boom with Eunice Yang, a reporter with the BBC Chinese service, who has spoken to actors whose jobs have been affected by AI. Also on the show is David Kwok, the founder of the Singapore-based Tiny Island Productions, a company that works with microdrama companies across China and internationally.

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

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