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More articles by 'Peter Ward'
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
October 6, 2025
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
September 25, 2025
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’
August 21, 2025
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
August 11, 2025
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
July 1, 2025
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
May 28, 2025
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
April 28, 2025
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
March 19, 2025
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
January 14, 2025
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
January 2, 2025
