US Army Private Crosses Border into North Korea, Sparks Mystery
New details have emerged in the case of a 23-year-old US Army private who crossed the border into North Korea earlier this week. On September 4, 2022, Pvt. Travis King failed to report for his daily formation at Camp Bonifas in South Korea. When reached away from the base, King stated that he “refused to return to post or America.” As a scout stationed near the DMZ, King would have been aware of the risks involved in crossing the border.
King was later found in Uijeongbu, a city located about 25 miles southeast of Camp Bonifas. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns about King’s well-being and stated that the US has sought information from North Korea regarding his whereabouts. There are concerns that King might be subjected to torture, based on past treatment of detainees in North Korea.
The Pentagon has launched an investigation into what prompted King to separate from a tour group visiting the Demilitarized Zone. He was initially supposed to fly out of Seoul but was detained for over a month due to an altercation with locals. The situation is further complicated by North Korea’s lack of cooperation, as attempts to communicate and gather information have been met with silence.
US officials stress the importance of King’s safe return to his family. While there is no evidence to suggest that King planned his crossing with the North Korean government, officials worry about the treatment of American nationals held in North Korean custody. Communication between the two countries has been limited under the Biden administration.
Anthony Ruggiero, an expert on North Korea, suggests that Pyongyang may be leveraging the situation for diplomatic gain. In past cases, the release of American detainees was secured through direct contact with US officials. However, experts believe that the Biden administration may be hesitant to expend significant political capital on securing the freedom of a soldier facing disciplinary action.
As the mystery surrounding Pvt. Travis King deepens, his family requests privacy and expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support. The situation highlights the complex relationship between the US and North Korea and the challenges of resolving disputes in the region.
ABC News’ Ben Gittleson, Martha Raddatz, and Matt Seyler contributed to this report.