WASHINGTON, DC: In a stunning turn of events, North Korean state media has reported that a US soldier Travis King, aged 23, has allegedly confessed to illegally entering North Korea in search of refuge.
King's sprint across the North Korean border on July 18 has left many puzzled and intrigued by his surprising move.
Why did Travis King run to North Korea?
According to North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Travis King revealed to investigators that he made the decision to enter North Korea due to his resentment towards "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army," as reported by The Guardian.
King reportedly expressed his willingness to seek refuge in North Korea or a third country, citing disillusionment with what he termed the "unequal American society."
KCNA's report highlighted King's confession, which read, "During the investigation, Travis King confessed that he had decided to come over to the DPRK as he harbored ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US army."
"He also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in the DPRK or a third country, saying that he was disillusioned at the unequal American society," added the statement.
The agency disclosed that King is currently being "kept under control" by soldiers from the North Korean People's Army. However, it is important to note that the US soldier's comments can't be independently verified at this moment.
Is Travis King's detention a propaganda coup?
Travis King's detention in North Korea, the first involving an American in nearly five years, could potentially serve as a propaganda victory for the North Korean regime.
Soo Kim, an expert with the Virginia-based consultancy LMI and a former CIA analyst, noted that King's crossing could provide North Korea with an opportunity for negotiations with the US regarding his release.
Additionally, the regime could utilize the situation for propaganda, criticizing the US, and showcasing its animosity toward Washington. On the other hand, the Pentagon expressed that it could not confirm King's alleged statements.
"We remain focused on his safe return," stated a spokesperson of the Pentagon, adding, "The department’s priority is to bring Private King home, and that we are working through all available channels to achieve that outcome."
Meanwhile, North Korea has declared that its investigation into King's case will continue.
King's detention comes at a time of heightened tension between the two countries. North Korea's recent test-firing of ballistic missiles into the sea is seen by analysts as a potential protest against the deployment of a US nuclear-armed submarine in South Korea, according to The Guardian.
The US soldier's case is expected to be scrutinized by North Korea to potentially secure concessions from the US, such as a reduction in military activities with South Korea, according to The Guardian.
What are the allegations against Travis King?
Before his entry into North Korea, King faced allegations of assault in South Korea, as revealed by court documents, which say that he had pleaded guilty to one instance of assault and damaging public property after being accused of damaging a police car during a verbal tirade against Koreans.
Another accusation against King of punching a 23-year-old man at a nightclub was dismissed due to the victim's decision not to pursue punishment.
King had recently served a period of military detention in South Korea and was due to face further disciplinary measures in Texas. However, he absconded from Incheon International Airport, where he was to catch a flight back to the US.
He subsequently joined a civilian tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and apparently ran across the demarcation line between North and South Korea despite attempts to halt him.
US officials have declared King, who chose to serve time at a labor camp rather than pay a $3,950 (₩5 million) fine, absent without leave (AWOL) and are considering potential consequences such as confinement, forfeiture of pay, or dishonorable discharge.
King's maternal grandfather, Carl Gates, shared that his grandson had joined the army because he "wanted to do better for himself" and was drawn to service because he has a brother who is a police officer and a cousin in the navy.
Gates said he hoped that King could be brought home to receive assistance and support, as per the Daily Express US.
