ABOUT THE AUTHOR
More articles by 'Peter Ward'
Why Kim Jong Un is paranoid about South Korean media in his country
It makes sense that the DPRK leader would be nervous about the spread and consumption of foreign values and ideas
July 7, 2026
Why North Korea’s anti-unification policies are an admission of weakness
Pyongyang knows it lacks leverage and is vulnerable to outside cultural influence, but hostility gives it strength
June 24, 2026
Why North Korea’s currency is hemorrhaging value at unprecedented levels
Exchange rate has soared on the back of trade rebound and wage hikes, potentially squeezing citizens with higher costs
June 8, 2026
North Korea appears to have transformed the social contract with its people
The constitution appears to have been revised to remove references to the country not having a tax
May 7, 2026
Why health insurance could be coming to North Korea
DPRK has long failed to fulfill promise of free medical care, but a system of premium payments may offer limited gains
March 4, 2026
Regional development takes center stage in North Korea’s new economic plan
Kim Jong Un shifted focus from heavy industry and farming at Party Congress, while projecting nonchalance over sanctions
February 27, 2026
How an emerging North Korean bond market could empower the masses to invest
Reported smartphone-based system may lower barriers to entry, but crackdowns on secondary trading risk reducing demand
December 1, 2025
North Korea embraces capitalist competition to avert mega resort boondoggle
Wonsan Kalma Tourism Zone Act, first law of its kind, details the regime’s strategy to ensure prestige project succeeds
November 12, 2025
How North Korea will fight back against the South’s nuclear submarine plans
US approval aims to free up assets to counter China, but also escalates an inter-Korean naval arms race
October 31, 2025
Working for the man: How North Korea exerts absolute control over laborers
Text of new Labor Management Act reveals how authorities mobilize workers and keep them from flocking to markets
October 27, 2025
