April 20, 2024

About the author

Peter Ward

Peter Ward is a research fellow at the Sejong Institute. His work focuses on North Korean politics, the economy and society. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna.

More articles by 'Peter Ward'

Capitalism with North Korean characteristics: markets in DPRK law
NK PRO

Capitalism with North Korean characteristics: markets in DPRK law

Analysis of open-source documents suggests the legal system is increasingly flexible

Capitalism with North Korean characteristics: markets in DPRK law
Peter Ward
Peter Ward April 17, 2018
North Korean agriculture under Kim Jong Un: quiet revolution or recognition of reality?
NK PRO

North Korean agriculture under Kim Jong Un: quiet revolution or recognition of reality?

Analysis suggests the state increasingly recognizes property rights and private markets

North Korean agriculture under Kim Jong Un: quiet revolution or recognition of reality?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward April 10, 2018
“The Great Transformation”: snapshots of North Korean life in the 1970s

“The Great Transformation”: snapshots of North Korean life in the 1970s

A DPRK-made documentary reveals Kim Jong Il's rise to power and a rapidly changing country

“The Great Transformation”: snapshots of North Korean life in the 1970s
Peter Ward
Peter Ward March 21, 2018
A tale of two lucky pranksters: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un

A tale of two lucky pranksters: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un

Both leaders have enjoyed some success against the odds - but their good fortune is bound to run out

A tale of two lucky pranksters: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un
Peter Ward
Peter Ward March 5, 2018
Toil by day, study at night: work-life balance in Kim Il Sung’s North Korea

Toil by day, study at night: work-life balance in Kim Il Sung’s North Korea

The DPRK's founding leader had some unusual theories about social welfare

Toil by day, study at night: work-life balance in Kim Il Sung’s North Korea
Peter Ward
Peter Ward February 21, 2018
How North Korea turned to terrorism to stop the ’88 Seoul Olympics

How North Korea turned to terrorism to stop the ’88 Seoul Olympics

When a boycott failed, Pyongyang used bombs to make its point

How North Korea turned to terrorism to stop the ’88 Seoul Olympics
Peter Ward
Peter Ward February 6, 2018
North Korea’s ill-fated campaign to stop the ’88 Seoul Olympics

North Korea’s ill-fated campaign to stop the ’88 Seoul Olympics

From boycotts to demands for joint hosting rights, Pyongyang was desperate to halt the games

North Korea’s ill-fated campaign to stop the ’88 Seoul Olympics
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 25, 2018
When North Korea almost backed China-style economic reforms

When North Korea almost backed China-style economic reforms

A brief flirtation with Dengist marketization was abandoned - only a few years before the famine

When North Korea almost backed China-style economic reforms
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 8, 2018
The true story of Pak Pong Ju: a mission of radical reform

The true story of Pak Pong Ju: a mission of radical reform

Since 2000s, N. Korean premier has pushed changes that have helped DPRK's economy survive sanctions

The true story of Pak Pong Ju: a mission of radical reform
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 18, 2017
The legend of Pak Pong Ju: a film tribute to N. Korea’s premier

The legend of Pak Pong Ju: a film tribute to N. Korea’s premier

"Guarantee" depicts Pak as the ideal Party man and offers possible hints about his biography

The legend of Pak Pong Ju: a film tribute to N. Korea’s premier
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 11, 2017