March 29, 2024

About the author

Alessandro Ford

Alessandro Ford is an NK News contributor based in the UK. He was the first British student to study at Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang and has been interviewed by the Guardian, BBC, Asahi Shimbun, and DW, among others. He still visits North Korea regularly.

More articles by 'Alessandro Ford'

“Chukbae!”: The rise of North Korean beer

“Chukbae!”: The rise of North Korean beer

Increased quantity and quality herald social change, but large-scale export remains unlikely

“Chukbae!”: The rise of North Korean beer
Alessandro Ford
Alessandro Ford December 19, 2018
Italy: North Korea’s lost friend in the West?

Italy: North Korea’s lost friend in the West?

Once a pioneer of engagement with Pyongyang, Rome's interest has waned in recent years

Italy: North Korea’s lost friend in the West?
Alessandro Ford
Alessandro Ford November 28, 2018
Will Pope Francis visit North Korea?

Will Pope Francis visit North Korea?

His maverick style makes a visit possible, though institutional hurdles could scupper a summit

Will Pope Francis visit North Korea?
Alessandro Ford
Alessandro Ford November 13, 2018
“Ciao compagno!” North Korea’s long, stormy relationship with Italy

“Ciao compagno!” North Korea’s long, stormy relationship with Italy

The untold historical bromance between Rome and Pyongyang

“Ciao compagno!” North Korea’s long, stormy relationship with Italy
Alessandro Ford
Alessandro Ford November 1, 2018
Why the EU isn’t likely to back Moon anytime soon

Why the EU isn’t likely to back Moon anytime soon

Even if Brussels were interested in playing a greater role, the North Koreans aren’t keen

Why the EU isn’t likely to back Moon anytime soon
Alessandro Ford
Alessandro Ford October 28, 2018
Why Japan is pushing to join the Greater Tumen Initiative

Why Japan is pushing to join the Greater Tumen Initiative

Tokyo sees the multilateral infrastructure project as route to summit with Kim, source says

Why Japan is pushing to join the Greater Tumen Initiative
Alessandro Ford
Alessandro Ford September 26, 2018