The U.S. military in Korea is currently investigating the potential premeditated defection of Private 2nd Class Travis King to North Korea. This revelation could pose a problem for Kim Jong Un’s regime. Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea, expressed his view on Facebook, stating that U.S. soldiers who defect to North Korea become a long-term burden due to their low cost-effectiveness.
Thae also mentioned the expenses associated with managing a defector, including the need for a security and monitoring team, an interpreter, a private vehicle with a driver, and lodging arrangements. A photo of Private 2nd Class Travis King of the U.S. Army was shared, emphasizing his role in this situation.
King’s decision to defect to North Korea may provide some propaganda value for Kim Jong Un’s regime. However, it also presents a problem for a regime that adheres strictly to its own rules. King’s entry into North Korea violated their laws, as it is illegal to enter the country without proper documents or official approval. While this may seem absurd to many, Pyongyang considers it necessary to deter individuals with potential ulterior motives from entering the country.
When the U.S. raised concerns about the treatment of Americans who entered North Korea illegally, Pyongyang responded by requesting better control over its citizens. As a result, King’s fate will not be decided hastily. The North Korean regime must go through the process of trying him for illegal entry and sentencing him. Only then may he be sent back across the border to face the consequences in the United States.
Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul believes that even if King initially intended to defect, he is likely to change his mind once he realizes that he won’t be able to integrate into North Korean society. Historically, 11 U.S. citizens who entered North Korea illegally were eventually released, although some required extensive diplomatic intervention. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and North Korea sealing its borders, diplomatic intervention is nearly impossible, making it challenging to resolve this situation.
State security in North Korea will evaluate King to determine if he is a genuine defector and to verify the details of his story. They must ensure that he is not a provocateur or an undercover agent before deciding whether to allow him to stay. If his presence becomes more problematic than beneficial, Kim Jong Un may use him as leverage to initiate negotiations. North Korea could welcome a high-level U.S. envoy for discussions on King’s return, potentially leading to broader U.S.-DPRK talks.
However, the U.S. has already expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue, although Kim Jong Un currently shows no interest. Therefore, it is unlikely that the unexpected arrival of a 23-year-old American defector will change his stance.
Note about the author:
Elizabeth Palmer is a CBS News correspondent who has been reporting for the network since August 2000. Based in London since 2003, she previously worked in Moscow. Palmer primarily reports for the “CBS Evening News.”
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