April 27, 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'

How Kim Jong Un created space for North Korean firms to set prices — with limits
NK PRO

How Kim Jong Un created space for North Korean firms to set prices — with limits

Documents show DPRK leader reinstated agreed price system his father rolled back but stopped short of true free market

How Kim Jong Un created space for North Korean firms to set prices — with limits
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 2, 2022
How North Korean businesses skirted state-set price controls to survive
NK PRO

How North Korean businesses skirted state-set price controls to survive

Collapse of Soviet Union led Pyongyang to create markets for enterprises to trade, but a backlash rolled back reforms

How North Korean businesses skirted state-set price controls to survive
Peter Ward
Peter Ward July 21, 2022
What the Bank of Korea’s rate spike means for the South Korean economy
KOREA PRO

What the Bank of Korea’s rate spike means for the South Korean economy

Central bank seeks to curb inflation, but rate increase will likely be painful for many firms and households

What the Bank of Korea’s rate spike means for the South Korean economy
Peter Ward
Peter Ward July 13, 2022
North Korea’s largest-ever banknote signals changes underfoot in monetary system
NK PRO

North Korea’s largest-ever banknote signals changes underfoot in monetary system

50,000-won denomination appears to be result of state efforts to push enterprises away from using foreign currency

North Korea’s largest-ever banknote signals changes underfoot in monetary system
Peter Ward
Peter Ward June 22, 2022
Why inflation is finally spiking in South Korea, months after the US
KOREA PRO

Why inflation is finally spiking in South Korea, months after the US

Different factors have driven rising prices in two countries, increasing likelihood of economic slowdown

Why inflation is finally spiking in South Korea, months after the US
Peter Ward
Peter Ward June 15, 2022
How COVID-19 and drought shaped North Korea’s priorities at latest party plenum
NK PRO

How COVID-19 and drought shaped North Korea’s priorities at latest party plenum

Leadership signaled focus on agriculture and construction as it deals with effects of long-term trade shutdown

How COVID-19 and drought shaped North Korea’s priorities at latest party plenum
Peter Ward
Peter Ward June 13, 2022
Factor markets: Who really owns the land, labor and capital in North Korea?
NK PRO

Factor markets: Who really owns the land, labor and capital in North Korea?

Actual control and right to buy and sell are increasingly determined by access to funds, not by state fiat

Factor markets: Who really owns the land, labor and capital in North Korea?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward June 6, 2022
Why some North Koreans actually benefit from sanctions on their country
NK PRO

Why some North Koreans actually benefit from sanctions on their country

Measures targeting DPRK’s weapons programs can serve interests of security institutions, military and firms

Why some North Koreans actually benefit from sanctions on their country
Peter Ward
Peter Ward May 31, 2022
The Korea discount: Why South Korea’s stock market is so underpriced
KOREA PRO

The Korea discount: Why South Korea’s stock market is so underpriced

Analysts link Korean stock market’s poor performance to a range of risks, from North Korea to weak shareholder rights

The Korea discount: Why South Korea’s stock market is so underpriced
Peter Ward
Peter Ward May 30, 2022
Why North Korea’s pharmacies are unequipped to confront COVID-19
NK PRO

Why North Korea’s pharmacies are unequipped to confront COVID-19

Private market actors are necessary for the DPRK’s drug distribution system to function, but supplies are highly limited

Why North Korea’s pharmacies are unequipped to confront COVID-19
Peter Ward
Peter Ward May 26, 2022
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