Travis King

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Travis King
Born (2000-02-15) February 15, 2000 (age 24)
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service2021–present[a]
Rank Private
Unit1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
4th Infantry Division[b]
Awards

Travis Travale King (born February 15, 2000) is an American United States Army soldier known for crossing over the Military Demarcation Line in the Joint Security Area (JSA) into North Korea on July 18, 2023, while on a civilian tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).[1][2]

King was facing dishonorable discharge and additional disciplinary actions from the United States Army due to legal charges in South Korea, the country he was stationed in at the time of the crossing, as well as other cases of misconduct, insubordination, assault, attempted escape from U.S. military custody, and possession of child pornography,[3][4][5] potentially prompting his crossing.[6][7] However, North Korean authorities asserted that King fled after becoming "disillusioned with the inequality of American society and racial discrimination in its Army."[8][9]

King was detained by North Korea on July 18, 2023, and was released on September 27, 2023, back to U.S. authorities.[10][11][12] King was the first known detention of a U.S. national by North Korea since Bruce Byron Lowrance in November 2018.[13][14]

Early life[edit]

King was born on February 15, 2000, to father Thomas King and mother Claudine Gates.[15][16] He grew up in Racine, Wisconsin,[17] and attended Washington Park High School, graduating in 2020.[18][19][20]

Military career[edit]

King enlisted in the United States Army in January 2021.[21][1] He became a cavalry scout and was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, which arrived in South Korea in February 2022.

On September 25, 2022, King punched a South Korean man in the face multiple times at a nightclub in Seoul. The victim did not press charges and the Seoul court dropped the case.[22]

On October 8, 2022, at 3:46 Korean Standard Time (7 October 18:46 UTC), King was involved in an altercation with South Korean locals in Mapo, Seoul. When police officers tried to question him, he continued with his aggressive behavior without answering questions from the officers. He was placed in the backseat of a police car where he shouted expletives and insults against Koreans, the Korean army, and the Korean police, such as “Asians can’t see over the steering wheel”. He also kicked the police vehicle's door several times, causing about ₩584,000 (US$458) in damages. He later pleaded guilty to assault and destruction of public goods and paid ₩1 million (US$783) to fix the vehicle.[22] It was also reported that he did not pay a fine, but instead chose to be remanded into South Korean detention for more than a month.[23] Because of this incident, King stayed behind in South Korea when his unit returned to the United States. King was then administratively attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.[24]

Detention in South Korea and crossing to North Korea[edit]

The Joint Security Area seen from South Korea, site of King's defection

Following charges of assault, King was fined ₩5 million (US$3,950) on February 8, 2023, by the Seoul Western District Court which he failed to pay. He was then held for 47 days at a South Korean detention facility in Cheonan[c] before being released on July 10, 2023.[1][25] After his release, King spent a week at a United States military base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek under observation.[1] He completed out-processing from the facility on July 17, 2023,[1] and was escorted to Incheon International Airport the next day, as far as customs checkpoint.[1] The military escort had no ticket and was not allowed past the checkpoint. King continued into the terminal alone as a result.[1] King was to board a flight to Fort Bliss, Texas, for "pending administrative separation actions for foreign conviction"[6] in the United States, but instead fled the airport,[1] approaching an American Airlines employee and claiming he was missing his passport.[16]

After leaving the airport, King joined a group of tourists on a civilian tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom, and on July 18, 2023, at 15:27 Korean Standard Time (06:27 UTC), crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the Joint Security Area (JSA) into North Korea. Witnesses claim that King, dressed in black, suddenly ran to the North Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line while the tour was ongoing, making a loud "laughing" noise while running. Soldiers from the southern side chased after King.[26][27] It is believed that King was taken into North Korean custody after being picked up by an unidentified van.[28][29][6]

A U.S. Forces Korea spokesperson stated that King "willfully and without authorization crossed the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK),"[30] and on July 20, 2023, the United States Department of Defense declared King to be absent without leave (AWOL).[28][31]

Time in North Korea[edit]

On July 24, 2023, the United Nations Command stated that they were in communication with the North Korean government regarding King.[32][33][34]

On August 1, the North Korean government acknowledged the United Nations Command's request for information regarding King and stated that they are investigating the incident, but stopped short of providing detailed information about King's status at the time in North Korea.[11][12][35]

As of August 4, 2023, the United States refused to classify King as a prisoner of war due to his decision to cross into North Korea of his own free will, while in civilian attire.[36]

On August 15, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the primary news outlet of North Korea, confirmed that King was in the country, stating that King illegally crossed into the nation due to "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army". KCNA further stated that King "expressed his willingness to seek refuge in the DPRK or a third country, saying that he was disillusioned at the unequal American society".[37]

Expulsion from North Korea[edit]

On September 27, 2023, North Korean state media reported that King would be "expelled", and that he would be returned to American custody.[38][39] Later that day, without any demands from the North Korean government, the Swedish government, which is the U.S. diplomatic liaison in North Korea, brought King to the Chinese border city of Dandong where he was transferred into U.S. custody following several weeks of private negotiations.[23] From there, he was first flown to Shenyang and then to Osan Air Base in South Korea.[40]

King was subsequently flown to Kelly Field at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and arrived on September 28 around 12:30 a.m. Central Standard Time (05:30 UTC).[41] He was treated on base at Brooke Army Medical Center.[42] The U.S. Department of Defense released a lengthy statement that their immediate goal was to focus on his health, privacy, and his return to his family. The US military was also to debrief him regarding his activities in North Korea, and any dialogues he may have had with North Korean officials.[43]

Charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice[edit]

Eight separate charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice have been filed by the U.S. Army against King including desertion into North Korea, solicitation of child pornography, assault upon fellow soldiers, attempted escape from U.S. military custody, and insubordination.[44] The legal team hired by his family includes Franklin Rosenblatt, who was lead defense counsel for Bowe Bergdahl.[23]

Awards and decorations[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Seyler, Matt; Martinez, Luis; Raddatz, Martha; Shalvey, Kevin (July 19, 2023). "US soldier in North Korean custody after crossing DMZ line". ABC News. Archived from the original on January 29, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  2. ^ Radford, Antoinette; Fraser, Simon (July 18, 2023). "Travis King: US soldier held by North Korea after crossing border". BBC News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  3. ^ Steinbuch, Yaron (October 25, 2023). "Army defector Travis King's mom says he had to sign agreement not to reveal why he decided to go into North Korea". New York Post. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  4. ^ "Travis King, U.S. soldier who ran into North Korea, is charged with desertion". NBC News. October 20, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  5. ^ "US Army accuses Travis King of desertion, solicitation of child pornography, among other charges". WION. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Crawford, Shannon K.; Martinez, Luis (July 21, 2023). "Past comments may give new clues in mystery around why US soldier entered North Korea". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  7. ^ Guinto, Joel, ed. (July 19, 2023). "Soldier Travis King who fled to N Korea faced US disciplinary action". BBC News. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  8. ^ Kim, Hyung-jin (August 16, 2023). "North Korea Claims U.S. Soldier Travis King Ran There Because of 'Racial Discrimination'". Time. Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  9. ^ Mackenzie, Jean; Cai, Derek (August 16, 2023). "Travis King: North Korea says US soldier fled because of racism in army". BBC News. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  10. ^ Bailey, Chelsea (September 27, 2023). "Travis King: How the US negotiates with North Korea". BBC News. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Ali, Idrees; Stewart, Phil (August 1, 2023). "North Korea responds to UN Command on US Private Travis King, Pentagon says". Reuters. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Seyler, Matt (August 2, 2023). "North Korea says it's investigating Travis King in 1st response to United Nations messages". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  13. ^ Tong-Hyung, Kim (November 17, 2018). "A look at Americans who have been detained in North Korea". Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 20, 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  14. ^ Gallagher, Linda (November 21, 2018). "Central Lake man released from North Korean prison". The Antrim Review. Archived from the original on October 20, 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  15. ^ Williams, Scott (July 26, 2023). "Travis King's father suspects his son was drunk when he ventured into North Korea". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Mackenzie, Jean; McGarvey, Emily (July 18, 2023). "Travis King's father suspects his son was drunk when he ventured into North Korea". BBC News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  17. ^ Bauer, Scott; Winder, Melissa (July 19, 2023). "American soldier's dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why". The Washington Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  18. ^ Fello, Julia (July 19, 2023). "American soldier detained in North Korea used to live in Racine, TMJ4 News has learned". TMJ4. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023. The Racine Unified Chief of Schools, Jodi Bloyer, confirmed King graduated from Washington Park High School in 2020.
  19. ^ Calvi, Jason (July 19, 2023). "North Korea detains Travis King, Racine soldier". FOX 6 Milwaukee. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  20. ^ Asiyanbi, Heather (July 19, 2023). "North Korea detains Travis King, Racine soldier". Racine County Eye. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  21. ^ Fleury, Amy (July 19, 2023). "U.S. soldier with Racine connection detained in North Korea". WISN 12 News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  22. ^ a b Park, Ju-min (July 19, 2023). "Travis King: US soldier got in fights, damaged police car before dash to North Korea". Reuters. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  23. ^ a b c Stewart, Phil (October 20, 2023). Doyle, Gerry (ed.). "Travis King: US soldier got in fights, damaged police car before dash to North Korea". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  24. ^ a b c d Sang-Hun, Choe; Ismay, John (July 19, 2023). "What We Know About How a U.S. Soldier Ended Up in North Korea". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  25. ^ O'Connell, Oliver; Kilander, Gustaf; Sharma, Shweta (July 19, 2023). "Travis King: US probes if North Korea knew about defecting soldier as Army worried for his wellbeing". The Independent. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  26. ^ Helmore, Edward (July 20, 2023). "US soldier was reportedly laughing when crossing border into North Korea". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on February 11, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  27. ^ "'Absolute idiot' - Kiwi tourist saw US soldier's dash to North Korea". 1 News. July 19, 2023. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  28. ^ a b Ng, Kelly; Mackenzie, Jean (July 20, 2023). "Travis King: US soldier is absent without leave in North Korea, Pentagon says". BBC News. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  29. ^ Kilander, Gustaf; Sarkar, Alisha Rahaman (July 19, 2023). "Soldier Travis King faced disciplinary action in the US so he fled to North Korea. Now he's back in US custody". The Independent. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  30. ^ Norman, Greg; Griffin, Jennifer; Friden, Liz (July 18, 2023). "North Korea detains US soldier who crossed border 'without authorization,' officials say". Fox News. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  31. ^ Graziosi, Graig (July 24, 2023). "Travis King: US say North Korea will 'want a price' to return AWOL soldier". The Independent. Archived from the original on August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  32. ^ Lendon, Brad; Bae, Gawon (July 24, 2023). "'Conversation has commenced' with North Korea over US solider, United Nations Command says". CNN. Archived from the original on August 2, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  33. ^ Yim, Hyunsu (July 24, 2023). "UN Command talking to North Korea about US soldier Travis King". Reuters. Archived from the original on August 18, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  34. ^ Borowiec, Steven (July 24, 2023). "U.N. Command has reached out to North Korea over U.S. soldier". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  35. ^ Nerozzi, Timothy (August 2, 2023). "North Korea 'acknowledged' Travis King situation in communications with UN". Fox News. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  36. ^ Stewart, Phil (August 4, 2023). "Exclusive: US declines to invoke prisoner of war status for Travis King". Reuters. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  37. ^ Choi, Soo-Hyang; Smith, Josh (August 16, 2023). "North Korea says Travis King wants refuge from mistreatment, racism in US". Reuters. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  38. ^ Bae, Gawon (September 27, 2023). "North Korea to 'expel' US soldier Travis King, who crossed from South, state media reports". CNN. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  39. ^ Sang-Hun, Choe (September 27, 2023). "American Soldier Who Went to North Korea in July Is in U.S. Custody". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  40. ^ Debusmann Jr, Bernd (September 27, 2023). "Travis King in US custody after North Korea expulsion". BBC News. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  41. ^ Bertran, Natasha; Trimble, Megan; Yeung, Jessie (September 28, 2023). "American soldier Travis King arrives back in US after being freed by North Korea". CNN. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  42. ^ Stewart, Phil; Ali, Idrees (September 28, 2023). "US soldier Travis King undergoes medical evaluation after North Korea release". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 20, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  43. ^ Lopez, C. Todd (September 28, 2023). "Released From North Korea, U.S. Soldier Now in Texas". U.S. Department of Defense. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  44. ^ Steinbuch, Yaron (October 25, 2023). "Army defector Travis King's mom says he had to sign agreement not to reveal why he decided to go into North Korea". New York Post. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2023.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Classified as absent without leave (AWOL) from July 20 to September 27, 2023.
  2. ^ Administratively attached since 2022
  3. ^ It is unclear why King was detained in South Korea. The local court in Seoul did not sentence him in either of the cases. U.S. officials state that King was detained for "an unspecified infraction."
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