Peter Ward | NK News
NK News Logo
September 25, 2026Sep 25, 2026

About the author

Peter Ward

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'

Surging North Korean inflation exposes the costs of major economic changes
NK PRO

Surging North Korean inflation exposes the costs of major economic changes

Money printing, wage spikes and market crackdowns are likely driving rising prices — to the harm of ordinary citizens

Surging North Korean inflation exposes the costs of major economic changes
Peter Ward
Peter Ward October 6, 2025
North Korea betrays its economic contradictions with grain control and IP laws
NK PRO

North Korea betrays its economic contradictions with grain control and IP laws

At SPA, Kim Jong Un seeks to both assert control and foster growth, while projecting confidence ahead of Party Congress

North Korea betrays its economic contradictions with grain control and IP laws
Peter Ward
Peter Ward September 25, 2025
North Korea debuts a new line: Demonizing South Koreans, not just their leaders
NK PRO

North Korea debuts a new line: Demonizing South Koreans, not just their leaders

Kim Yo Jong blames ROK people for North Korea policies, breaking from practice of portraying them as ‘oppressed’

North Korea debuts a new line: Demonizing South Koreans, not just their leaders
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 21, 2025
How North Korea’s anti-leaflet law plays up threats of biological warfare
NK PRO

How North Korea’s anti-leaflet law plays up threats of biological warfare

Law frames activist balloons as a danger to political stability and public health, but mild punishments belie claims

How North Korea’s anti-leaflet law plays up threats of biological warfare
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 11, 2025
China could offer Seoul security guarantees against North Korea. Why won’t it?
NK PRO

China could offer Seoul security guarantees against North Korea. Why won’t it?

Trump’s reevaluation of US alliances presents a chance for Beijing to play a bigger role that it has shunned so far

China could offer Seoul security guarantees against North Korea. Why won’t it?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward July 1, 2025
More than just North Korean threats are driving ROK support for nuke submarines
NK PRO

More than just North Korean threats are driving ROK support for nuke submarines

Once a progressive cause, conservatives have taken up banner amid concern about Taiwan risks and declining US power

More than just North Korean threats are driving ROK support for nuke submarines
Peter Ward
Peter Ward May 28, 2025
How secret North Korean customs rules lay bare a bizarre trade regime
NK PRO

How secret North Korean customs rules lay bare a bizarre trade regime

Newly revealed text outlines controls on not only sensitive military items but even seemingly harmless consumer goods

How secret North Korean customs rules lay bare a bizarre trade regime
Peter Ward
Peter Ward April 28, 2025
Boom or bust? Mixed signals raise questions about health of North Korean economy
NK PRO

Boom or bust? Mixed signals raise questions about health of North Korean economy

Ambitious construction push and strong Russia ties point to growth, but the windfall may not be reaching the DPRK people

Boom or bust? Mixed signals raise questions about health of North Korean economy
Peter Ward
Peter Ward March 19, 2025
How North Korea compels citizens to spy on each other with new surveillance law
NK PRO

How North Korea compels citizens to spy on each other with new surveillance law

Revision to Mass Reporting Act targets activities that undermine regime, reflecting Kim Jong Un’s growing paranoia

How North Korea compels citizens to spy on each other with new surveillance law
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 14, 2025
What Kim Jong Un’s candid admission of failure says about his economic approach
NK PRO

What Kim Jong Un’s candid admission of failure says about his economic approach

North Korean leader has embraced self-reflection as a strategy for winning trust, while doubling down on central control

What Kim Jong Un’s candid admission of failure says about his economic approach
Peter Ward
Peter Ward January 2, 2025
1 2 3 4 5 … 23