Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief for The Economist, provides crucial insights into the political turmoil in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's dramatic arrest on insurrection charges. He discusses the unrest and its implications for governance. Ana Lankas, Brazil correspondent, explores the burgeoning global obsession with cosmetic procedures, revealing surprising areas of interest and the societal pressures driving this trend. They also touch on Japan's disciplined education system, blending academics with moral integrity.

As civil war rages in the country, millions of people have been displaced and famine is widespread. Why won’t the warring parties join talks to end it? Accusations of assassination plots and an attempted coup swirl in Brazil (9:28). And why Chinese bubble tea shops are conquering your local shopping street (17:33). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. 

Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief for The Economist, provides vital insights into the arrest of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking a historic political crisis. The discussion highlights the implications for South Korea's future leadership and economy. Ana Lankas shares fascinating details about the global boom in cosmetic surgery, emphasizing its shift from elitism to mainstream acceptance, driven by societal pressures and social media culture. They also touch on the disciplined yet conformist nature of Japan's education system.