Dr. Arvid J. Lukauskas, a political economy expert at Columbia University, and Dr. Yumiko Shimabukuro expose the overlooked social tragedies in East Asia's economic landscape. They dive into pressing issues like elderly poverty, emphasizing a shocking 40% poverty rate among seniors in South Korea. The guests challenge conventional success narratives by discussing inadequate labor policies and low wages, while shedding light on alarming child abuse rates and housing crises. Their multidisciplinary approach advocates for a deeper understanding of social welfare amidst economic growth.

Dr. Arvid J. Lukauskas, a Columbia University political economy expert, and Dr. Yumiko Shimabukuro delve into the darker side of East Asia’s economic miracle. They reveal alarming social welfare crises, including soaring elder poverty, low wages, and a troubling rise in child abuse. The duo critiques the region's productivist welfare model, pointing out how prioritizing growth has left vulnerable populations at risk. They also discuss affordable housing issues, contrasting the successes in Singapore to the struggles in Hong Kong, shedding light on the human toll behind economic statistics.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Arvid J. Lukauskas, a faculty member at Columbia University, and co-author of "Misery Beneath the Miracle in East Asia," unearth critical social issues underlying East Asia's economic success. They discuss the alarming rates of elderly poverty, systemic challenges for low-wage workers, and the stark realities of child welfare and housing crises in the region. The authors argue for a holistic approach to economic growth that prioritizes social welfare, shedding light on the hidden 'misery' in a seemingly prosperous landscape.