US Army to make decision on soldier in North Korea’s custody
By Karah Rucker (Anchor/Reporter), Ben Burke (Digital Producer)
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
US soldier was imprisoned for assault before fleeing to North Korea
Click to see story on The IndependentUS soldier held in North Korea after crossing border from South Korea pictured
Click to see story on Daily MirrorUS Says No Information On Soldier Who Ran Into North Korea
Click to see story on NDTVNorth Korea quiet about detained fleeing US soldier
Click to see story on USA TodayUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsUS soldier who defected to North Korea identified and pictured
Click to see story on Metro NewsKorean conflict: US soldier flees to North Korea – a fatal decision?
Click to see story on Sueddeutsche ZeitungSoldier’s dash into N. Korea leaves his family confused
Click to see story on The Mercury newsNorth Korea quiet about detained fleeing U.S. soldier
Click to see story on Star TribuneHow a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on SBS NewsAPTOPIX North Korea US Soldier
Click to see story on San Antonio Express-NewsUS soldier in N Korea was held after fights in Seoul
Click to see story on BBC NewsAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on KIFIUS scrambles to determine fate of soldier Travis King, who fled to North Korea
Click to see story on Channel News AsiaTravis King: No news on soldier who ran into North Korea illegally, says US
Click to see story on WIONThe Americans who have gone to North Korea – including soldiers
Click to see story on Sky News UKAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Winnipeg Free PressFamily members wonder why U.S. soldier dashed into North Korea
Click to see story on Star AdvertiserUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Pioneer PressU.S. soldier in North Korea far from first American to flee to reclusive state
Click to see story on The Japan TimesAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on News 4 JAXUS soldier steps into unknown by fleeing into North Korea
Click to see story on Deutsche WelleAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on WPLGAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on WKMGAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Click on DetroitAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Portland Press HeraldAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on San Diego Union TribuneAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Washington Top NewsWisconsin soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family bewildered
Click to see story on NBC ChicagoUS soldier escapes to North Korea
Click to see story on Helena Independent RecordThe American soldier who fled to North Korea had just come out of prison. His mother thinks he has lost his mind
Click to see story on Digi 24How a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on DevdiscourseAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on KOB 4American soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on WCBDAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on OPBUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Sun (Lowell)How a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on WTVBUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Daily FreemanUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Virginian PilotAn American soldier has deserted to North Korea
Click to see story on The EconomistUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The ReporterUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Pottstown MercuryUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Daily Local NewsUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The SaratogianUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Sentinel and EnterpriseThe other American soldiers who defected to North Korea and came to regret it
Click to see story on NK NewsUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Times HeraldUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served time in South Korean prison
Click to see story on Independent.ieAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members w
Click to see story on Washington TimesUS soldier runs into North Korea after assault case
Click to see story on The TelegraphWhat life in North Korea holds for US soldier Travis King after…
Click to see story on New York PostUS soldier who crossed into DPRK had criminal record in South Korea
Click to see story on TASS [🇷🇺-affiliated]US soldier who crossed into North Korea served time in South Korean jail
Click to see story on The Straits TimesUS soldier who fled to North Korea had history of violence – media
Click to see story on Russia Today [🇷🇺-affiliated]US soldier who crossed into North Korea had served time in S Korean jail: official
Click to see story on Bangkok PostAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on MY NorthwestUS soldier in North Korea not the first to cross border
Click to see story on The West AustralianUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Boston HeraldUS soldier in North Korea not the first to flee to the secretive state
Click to see story on Times LiveAmericans detained in North Korea: five cases to know
Click to see story on The CitizenWho is the soldier who fled from South to North Korea?
Click to see story on Die PresseTravis King, U.S. Soldier Held in North Korea, Had Been Detained in South Korea
Click to see story on Wall Street JournalUS soldier crosses border into North Korea: Previously in jail
Click to see story on Frankfurter AllgemeineWhite House holds first briefing on US soldier allegedly detained in North Korea
Click to see story on justthenews.comChaos as U.S. soldier Travis King bolted into North Korea
Click to see story on UnionLeader.comUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Daily PressAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why – Odessa American
Click to see story on Odessa AmericanHow a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on The Star Kuala LumpurUS soldier still being held in North Korean custody
Click to see story on Sky News AustraliaUS soldier who crossed into North Korea had served time in S Korean jail: official
Click to see story on The Daily TelegraphRight
Untracked Bias
The unauthorized person from South Korea to North Korea turned out to be a US soldier; it is not known for what purpose he went
Click to see story on T24US military tries to locate soldier who fled to North Korea
Click to see story on Gold Coast BulletinUS soldier still being held in North Korean custody
Click to see story on The MercuryThe whereabouts of the American soldier who entered North Korea remain unknown
Click to see story on PublicoAmerican soldier escaped in North Korea: Washington is still without news
Click to see story on Le ParisienUS soldier in North Korea not the first to cross border
Click to see story on PerthNowAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on My Mother LodeWhat is flourishing for American soldiers in North Korea?
Click to see story on Neue Zürcher Zeitung“He laughed and ran”: US soldier “flees” to North Korea
Click to see story on SIC NotíciasHa ha ha, he laughed and ran to the other side. US soldier voluntarily rushed to North Korea
Click to see story on Denník NNorth Korea tests missile shortly after illegal border crossing by US soldier
Click to see story on watson.ch/A US Soldier Escaped to North Korea – Global News Network
Click to see story on GNN LiberiaUS soldier who fled to North Korea had history of violence
Click to see story on RT InternationalAccused US soldier flees to North Korea
Click to see story on Antelope Valley PressUS soldier arrested in South Korea before crossing border with North Korea
Click to see story on Tiroler Tageszeitung OnlineAmerica: A US private fled to North Korea
Click to see story on currenttime.tvWhile top U.S. officials have responded to the news of an Army soldier making an unauthorized crossing into North Korea, a military decision on the fate of the soldier had not been made as of early Wednesday morning, July 19. The soldier, identified as Private Travis T. King, crossed the inter-Korean border “wilfully and without authorization,” according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
“Suddenly I noticed a guy running, guy dressed in black, running what looked like full gas towards the North Korean side. And my first thought was, ‘what an absolute idiot.’ I assumed he was sort of getting a mate to film that for some kind of TikTok stunt or something like that. But he just didn’t stop and he kept going,” Sarah Leslie, a New Zealand tourist who was on a tour of the border when King crossed, said Wednesday. “And then the U.S. and South Korean soldiers sort of realized what was happening, chased after him and yelled at us to sort of get in the building on the South Korean side. So we all ran.”
The Army soldier’s motive for crossing into North Korea is unknown. He joined the Army in 2021, and was based in South Korea.
In October 2022, King faced accusations of assault and damaging a police car. He pleaded guilty and was fined for the incident in February 2023.
According to U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, King had been due to face disciplinary action by the U.S. military. It was not clear if that was related to the October incident.
“In terms of my concerns, I’m absolutely foremost concerned about the welfare of our troop. And so we will remain focused on this,” Austin said Tuesday, July 18. “And again, this will develop in the next several days and hours, and I will keep you posted.”
It was unclear how long North Korea would hold the Army soldier, and North Korean officials have been silent on the matter so far. Analysts speculated King could be used by the North for propaganda purposes.
On Tuesday, the White House said it was looking to gather more information as to King’s motive for crossing.
“I’m not working under any hypotheticals or any assumptions. What we’re doing is trying to, there is going to be an investigation into this incident,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday. “I certainly don’t want to get into hypotheticals, speculations of what occurred or, or how we ended up here. We just want to make sure that we get to the bottom of this.”
A U.S. SOLDIER IS BELIEVED TO BE IN NORTH KOREAN CUSTODY AFTER “WILLFULLY” AND “WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION” CROSSED INTO NORTH KOREA WHILE TAKING A CIVILIAN TOUR AT THE BORDER LINE THAT SEPARATES THE NORTH FROM THE SOUTH.
WE’RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT WHO THE SOLDIER IS —
AND POTENTIAL NEXT STEPS.
ACCORDING TO THE U.S. ARMY — 23-YEAR-OLD “PRIVATE TRAVIS KING” WAS STATIONED IN SOUTH KOREA —
AND FACED DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR ASSAULT —
SPENDING 50 DAYS IN A DETENTION FACILITY.
KING WAS SET TO FLY BACK TO A BASE IN TEXAS TO POTENTIALLY FACE ADDITIONAL MILITARY DISCIPLINE BEFORE HE REPORTEDLY **RAN ACROSS INTO NORTH KOREA’S TERRITORY.
NORTH KOREA HAS BEEN SILENT ON THE MATTER.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE —
THE PRESS SECRETARY WAS ASKED HOW FAR THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE WILLING TO GO TO GET THE SOLDIER BACK — IF THE SOLDIER **WILLINGLY CROSSED BOUNDARY-LINES.
RIGHT NOW — THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS THEY ARE FOCUSED ON GATHERING MORE INFORMATION ON THE INCIDENT.
“You have the State Department, you have the Department of Defense, you have the U.N. and the White House all working together to resolve this. Resolving this is basically getting to the bottom of exactly what happened. And that is important for us to know. I just don’t have more to share. And once we do, we’ll certainly share the information.”
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
US soldier was imprisoned for assault before fleeing to North Korea
Click to see story on The IndependentUS soldier held in North Korea after crossing border from South Korea pictured
Click to see story on Daily MirrorUS Says No Information On Soldier Who Ran Into North Korea
Click to see story on NDTVNorth Korea quiet about detained fleeing US soldier
Click to see story on USA TodayUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsUS soldier who defected to North Korea identified and pictured
Click to see story on Metro NewsKorean conflict: US soldier flees to North Korea – a fatal decision?
Click to see story on Sueddeutsche ZeitungSoldier’s dash into N. Korea leaves his family confused
Click to see story on The Mercury newsNorth Korea quiet about detained fleeing U.S. soldier
Click to see story on Star TribuneHow a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on SBS NewsAPTOPIX North Korea US Soldier
Click to see story on San Antonio Express-NewsUS soldier in N Korea was held after fights in Seoul
Click to see story on BBC NewsAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on KIFIUS scrambles to determine fate of soldier Travis King, who fled to North Korea
Click to see story on Channel News AsiaTravis King: No news on soldier who ran into North Korea illegally, says US
Click to see story on WIONThe Americans who have gone to North Korea – including soldiers
Click to see story on Sky News UKAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Winnipeg Free PressFamily members wonder why U.S. soldier dashed into North Korea
Click to see story on Star AdvertiserUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Pioneer PressU.S. soldier in North Korea far from first American to flee to reclusive state
Click to see story on The Japan TimesAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on News 4 JAXUS soldier steps into unknown by fleeing into North Korea
Click to see story on Deutsche WelleAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on WPLGAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on WKMGAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Click on DetroitAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Portland Press HeraldAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on San Diego Union TribuneAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on Washington Top NewsWisconsin soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family bewildered
Click to see story on NBC ChicagoUS soldier escapes to North Korea
Click to see story on Helena Independent RecordThe American soldier who fled to North Korea had just come out of prison. His mother thinks he has lost his mind
Click to see story on Digi 24How a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on DevdiscourseAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on KOB 4American soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on WCBDAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on OPBUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Sun (Lowell)How a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on WTVBUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Daily FreemanUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Virginian PilotAn American soldier has deserted to North Korea
Click to see story on The EconomistUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The ReporterUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Pottstown MercuryUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Daily Local NewsUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The SaratogianUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Sentinel and EnterpriseThe other American soldiers who defected to North Korea and came to regret it
Click to see story on NK NewsUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on The Times HeraldUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served time in South Korean prison
Click to see story on Independent.ieAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members w
Click to see story on Washington TimesUS soldier runs into North Korea after assault case
Click to see story on The TelegraphWhat life in North Korea holds for US soldier Travis King after…
Click to see story on New York PostUS soldier who crossed into DPRK had criminal record in South Korea
Click to see story on TASS [🇷🇺-affiliated]US soldier who crossed into North Korea served time in South Korean jail
Click to see story on The Straits TimesUS soldier who fled to North Korea had history of violence – media
Click to see story on Russia Today [🇷🇺-affiliated]US soldier who crossed into North Korea had served time in S Korean jail: official
Click to see story on Bangkok PostAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on MY NorthwestUS soldier in North Korea not the first to cross border
Click to see story on The West AustralianUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Boston HeraldUS soldier in North Korea not the first to flee to the secretive state
Click to see story on Times LiveAmericans detained in North Korea: five cases to know
Click to see story on The CitizenWho is the soldier who fled from South to North Korea?
Click to see story on Die PresseTravis King, U.S. Soldier Held in North Korea, Had Been Detained in South Korea
Click to see story on Wall Street JournalUS soldier crosses border into North Korea: Previously in jail
Click to see story on Frankfurter AllgemeineWhite House holds first briefing on US soldier allegedly detained in North Korea
Click to see story on justthenews.comChaos as U.S. soldier Travis King bolted into North Korea
Click to see story on UnionLeader.comUS soldier who fled to North Korea had served 2 months in South Korea prison on assault charge
Click to see story on Daily PressAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why – Odessa American
Click to see story on Odessa AmericanHow a US soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
Click to see story on The Star Kuala LumpurUS soldier still being held in North Korean custody
Click to see story on Sky News AustraliaUS soldier who crossed into North Korea had served time in S Korean jail: official
Click to see story on The Daily TelegraphRight
Untracked Bias
The unauthorized person from South Korea to North Korea turned out to be a US soldier; it is not known for what purpose he went
Click to see story on T24US military tries to locate soldier who fled to North Korea
Click to see story on Gold Coast BulletinUS soldier still being held in North Korean custody
Click to see story on The MercuryThe whereabouts of the American soldier who entered North Korea remain unknown
Click to see story on PublicoAmerican soldier escaped in North Korea: Washington is still without news
Click to see story on Le ParisienUS soldier in North Korea not the first to cross border
Click to see story on PerthNowAmerican soldier’s dash into North Korea leaves family members wondering why
Click to see story on My Mother LodeWhat is flourishing for American soldiers in North Korea?
Click to see story on Neue Zürcher Zeitung“He laughed and ran”: US soldier “flees” to North Korea
Click to see story on SIC NotíciasHa ha ha, he laughed and ran to the other side. US soldier voluntarily rushed to North Korea
Click to see story on Denník NNorth Korea tests missile shortly after illegal border crossing by US soldier
Click to see story on watson.ch/A US Soldier Escaped to North Korea – Global News Network
Click to see story on GNN LiberiaUS soldier who fled to North Korea had history of violence
Click to see story on RT InternationalAccused US soldier flees to North Korea
Click to see story on Antelope Valley PressUS soldier arrested in South Korea before crossing border with North Korea
Click to see story on Tiroler Tageszeitung OnlineAmerica: A US private fled to North Korea
Click to see story on currenttime.tvStraight to your inbox.
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