SEOUL- North Korea has publicly stated that U.S. soldier Travis King seeks refuge in their country or another nation due to alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination" he experienced in the U.S. and the military.
This marks North Korea's initial acknowledgment of King's border crossing from South Korea on July 18 while participating in a civilian tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) along the heavily fortified border between the two neighboring countries.
U.S. officials maintain their belief that Travis King's border crossing was a deliberate act, and they have refrained from designating him as a prisoner of war at this point.
According to North Korean investigators, they have also reached the conclusion that King intentionally and unlawfully crossed the border with the intention of seeking refuge in North Korea or another country. The state news agency KCNA reported that King admitted during the investigation that he made the decision to enter the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) due to his negative experiences of alleged maltreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.
"He further conveyed his desire to pursue refuge either in the DPRK or a different third-party nation, citing his disillusionment with the perceived inequality prevalent in American society."
Following his border crossing, King was reportedly "held under the supervision of soldiers from the Korean People's Army," and the investigation into his case remains ongoing, the agency reported.
In August, Travis King's uncle, Myron Gates, shared with ABC News that his nephew, who identifies as Black, had encountered instances of racism during his military deployment. Gates mentioned that after King's time spent in a South Korean jail, his demeanor had noticeably changed, prompting concerns about his well-being.
Despite requests for information on Travis King, U.S. officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the North's lack of substantive responses. The Pentagon remains cautious about the accuracy of King's statements, as reported by KCNA, and remains focused on ensuring his secure return. However, it has not disclosed whether it has received additional details from North Korea.
King's safety is of paramount concern to his mother, who has earnestly appealed to North Korea for humane treatment. The family's spokesperson, Jonathan Franks, conveyed Ms. Gates' awareness of the recent KCNA report and emphasized that the DPRK authorities hold the responsibility for Travis King's well-being. The spokesperson also noted Ms. Gates' gratitude for the defense department's commitment to facilitating King's return.
The White House has not provided an immediate response to requests for comments on the matter. The United Nations Command (UNC), which oversees the border area where King made his crossing, refrained from offering any new information beyond previous statements.
Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, observed that the mention of King's potential desire for refuge in North Korea or another nation highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his ultimate intentions.
Tae Yong-ho, a South Korean lawmaker and former North Korean diplomat, has pointed out that North Korea's characterization of Travis King as an "illegal intruder" rather than a voluntary defector, along with the mention of a third country, could suggest that North Korea may not intend to detain him for an extended period. Tae Yong-ho speculated that North Korea might opt to transfer King to a third country, allowing U.S. officials to facilitate his return home if he so desires.
The classification of the 23-year-old soldier has posed a challenge for the U.S. military. While the United States and Korea remain technically at war, factors such as King's independent decision to cross into North Korea while dressed in civilian attire have led U.S. officials to exclude him from being considered a prisoner of war (POW). Instead, King's circumstances appear to place him outside the criteria for POW status.
Travis King, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2021, serves as a cavalry scout within the Korean Rotational Force, a component of the U.S. security commitment to South Korea.
However, Travis King's tenure in South Korea was marred by legal challenges. He found himself entangled in two assault allegations during his time there. Eventually, he admitted guilt in one assault case and for causing damage to public property, specifically a police car, during an incident involving a verbally abusive outburst directed at Koreans. These details are outlined in court records. Further disciplinary actions were in store for King upon his return to the United States.
After completing his period of military detention, King was under the custody of the U.S. military. He was being prepared for transportation back to his assigned unit in the United States. However, contrary to these plans, upon reaching the airport, King departed from the intended course. Instead, he joined a tour of the border region and proceeded to cross over, despite efforts by both South Korean and U.S. guards to prevent his unauthorized movement.