Travis King, the young American soldier who crossed the border on foot from South Korea into North Korea in July, is now back in U.S. custody, according to U.S. officials. North Korea had previously announced that it would expel King, claiming he had entered the country illegally.
King was first sent across North Korea’s border into China, where he was then transferred to U.S. custody. U.S. officials have stated that no concessions were made to secure King’s release.
Upon his return, King was greeted by Nicholas Burns, the American ambassador to China, in the city of Dandong, which borders North Korea. From there, he will be flown to a U.S. military base.
A U.S. official reported that King appeared to be in good health and spirits, and expressed his happiness to be coming home. It is likely that he was interrogated during his time in North Korean custody, as this is consistent with past practices of the country.
“U.S. officials have secured the return of Private Travis King from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK),” said U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. He expressed gratitude towards Sweden for their role as the protecting power for the United States in the DPRK, and China for assisting with King’s transit.
Jonathan Franks, a representative for King’s family, shared a message from King’s mother on social media, expressing gratitude to the United States Army and requesting privacy for the family.
North Korea’s KCNA released a statement confirming King’s expulsion, stating that he had illegally intruded into their territory. It was during a guided tour of the border village of Panmunjom that King absconded from an airport in Seoul and crossed into North Korea.
North Korea previously claimed that King had entered their country due to dissatisfaction with the U.S. Army. The U.S. military could not confirm these allegations.
King was scheduled to return to the U.S. after serving time at a South Korea detention facility for other offenses. However, he skipped his flight and entered North Korea instead.
In an interview last month, King’s mother stated that he had many reasons to want to come home. King has been serving in the U.S. Army since January 2021 and was stationed in South Korea.
Experts speculate that King was not suitable for propaganda purposes in North Korea and that the decision to deport him was influenced by a lukewarm response from Washington.
CBS News’ Cami McCormick in Washington, D.C., and Jen Kwon in Seoul contributed to this report.
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