Soldier expelled from North Korea is now in American custody

October 03, 2023:According to an American official, Soldier Expelled From North Korea Is Now in American Custody. The Pentagon’s Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder announced the successful return of Travis King. He expressed gratitude to U.S. military personnel and the governments of Sweden and China for their efforts in bringing him home.

King, aged 23, made his border-crossing attempt on July 18 during a public tour of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.

 North Korea’s state-run news agency, KCNA, reported that King confessed to illegally intruding into North Korean territory due to disillusionment with perceived inhumane treatment, racial discrimination in the Army, and societal inequality in the United States. The U.S. has not yet officially responded to these claims.

Before his border crossing, King had recently been released from a South Korean prison and was being escorted by the military to Incheon International Airport near Seoul for further disciplinary action in the U.S.

 He had violated part of a joint security agreement and was en route to the airport when he joined a commercial tour group bound for the Joint Security Area, an area administered by the United Nations between North and South Korea.

While this situation unfolded, North Korea escalated its nuclear threats and conducted weapons tests, while its leader, Kim Jong Un, held a rare summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 Concerns arose in the West about the growing ties between North Korea and Russia, with fears that North Korea might support Russia’s activities in Ukraine in exchange for military technology or economic aid, potentially undermining international sanctions.

North Korea remained silent about King for several weeks until confirming his detention in August, attributing critical comments to him regarding the United States.