For the first time in nearly twenty years, the leader of North Korea kicked off the new year with a nationwide address. So far, there’s been a quiet reaction from South Korea to the unusual event. But analysts are watching what happens later this year, as South Korea goes through some political change of its own. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

As 2013 gets underway, we all have hopes for the New Year. In Asia, one emerging economy is facing an especially rapid pace of change. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute…

U.S. stocks are starting the New Year with double digit gains on most indices compared to a year ago. In Asia, some markets saw an even better year. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this New Year’s edition of the Asia Minute.

Federal officials are trying to unravel a mystery involving China, human rights, and a package of toys. The story beings with a hand-written letter that was stuffed into a set of toys made in China. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

According to the state archives, the first Chinese brought to Hawaii specifically to work on the plantations arrived in the 1850’s. There have been various waves of Chinese immigration to the United States and elsewhere over time. But new figures show that right now, China is the largest source of immigrants in the world. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.