North Korean claims Travis King seeks sanctuary from abuse in American military

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【Summary】North Korea claims that Travis King sought refuge from mistreatment in the US Army, according to state media. King allegedly confessed to crossing into North Korea due to "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination" within the army. US officials believe King intentionally crossed the border, and North Korean investigators have concluded that he crossed illegally with the intention of staying in North Korea or a third country.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 5:29 PM PT

North Korean claims Travis King seeks sanctuary from abuse in American military

According to state media, North Korea has reported that Travis King confessed to crossing into the North due to "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army". This is the first public acknowledgment of the incident by Pyongyang.

The soldier, Private Travis T. King, entered North Korea while on a civilian tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) located on the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas.

US officials have stated their belief that King intentionally crossed the border.

North Korean investigators have now concluded that King crossed the border deliberately and illegally, with the intention of staying in North Korea or a third country. The state news agency KCNA reported this information.

"During the investigation, Travis King confessed that he had decided to come over to the DPRK as he harbored ill feelings against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army," KCNA stated, using the initials of North Korea's official name.

"He also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in the DPRK or a third country, stating that he was disillusioned with the unequal American society," the report continued.