An American soldier who dashed across the demilitarized zone into North Korea is back in U.S. custody after being released by Pyongyang.
Pvt. Travis King had joined a South Korean civilian tour of the demilitarized zone when he separated himself from the group and ran across the border, as The Dallas Express reported.
After more than two months in North Korean custody, Pyongyang announced on Wednesday that it was expelling King from the country, per the Associated Press. By Wednesday morning, the White House announced that King was back in American hands.
“U.S. officials have secured the return of Private Travis King from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement. “We appreciate the dedication of the interagency team that has worked tirelessly out of concern for Private King’s wellbeing.”
King’s release was mediated by the government of Sweden, as Washington, D.C., does not have diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.
“In addition, we thank the government of Sweden for its diplomatic role serving as the protecting power for the United States in the DPRK and the government of the People’s Republic of China for its assistance in facilitating the transit of Private King,” Sullivan said.
Swedish officials took King to the North Korean border with China, where he was turned over to U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, reported the AP. The Biden administration claimed it did not have to provide any concessions to North Korea for King’s release.
King is expected to head to Fort Sam Houston in Texas to undergo psychological assessments and debriefings and be reunited with his family.
“Ms. Gates will be forever grateful to the United States Army and all its interagency partners for a job well done,” said Jonathan Franks, a spokesperson for King’s mother, according to the AP.
King was declared AWOL due to the incident and may still be punished with a military jail sentence, a fine, or a dishonorable discharge. Before going AWOL, King had been imprisoned by South Korean authorities on assault charges and was due to fly back to the United States to face disciplinary action.
The White House did not address North Korean media reports that claimed King had defected over alleged racism in the Army and U.S. society. The White House also poured cold water on any notion that King’s release was a signal that Washington and Pyongyang had engaged in some rapprochement, per the AP.
