North Korea has confirmed that it has custody of U.S. soldier Travis King after he ran across the border from South Korea on July 18, according to the United Nations Command, which oversees Korean Peninsula affairs.
The 23-year-old private dashed across the border from South Korea on 18 July while on a guided tour. The UN Command said it would not give more details about Pyongyang's response at this time. However, the reply indicates Pyongyang could be ready to start negotiating. The UN Command, which polices the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), had sought information on Private 2nd Class (PV2) King using its direct phone line to the North Korean Army [KPA] in the Joint Security Area.
The North Koreans had previously acknowledged the request but this is the first time they have responded, confirming the US solider is in their custody. North Korea has not publicly acknowledged custody of PV2 King. Before he crossed the border, PV2 King served two months in detention in South Korea for assault charges. He was released on 10 July. He was supposed to fly back to the US to face disciplinary proceedings but managed to leave the airport and join the DMZ tour. He is a reconnaissance specialist who had been in the army since January 2021 and was in South Korea as part of his rotation.
