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The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has released US Army Private Travis T King back into US custody after weeks of captivity in North Korea.
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Private King, a cavalry scout, had been held in the country after he joined a tour group of the joint security area at the Demilitarised Zone in Panmunjom, South Korea, and crossed into North Korea on 18 July.
He was originally stationed in South Korea pending disciplinary action and scheduled to fly to the US to face additional administrative action by the US Army, before being identified as AWOL by the US government.
Private King’s recent release was reportedly the result of a multi-week diplomatic effort, with the help of the Swedish government as primary interlocutor, and his transfer back to US custody by the People’s Republic of China.
“US officials have secured the return of (Army) Private Travis King from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder.
“We appreciate the hard work of personnel in the Army, United States Forces Korea, and across the Department of Defense, along with our State Department colleagues, to bring Private King back to the United States, and we thank the governments of Sweden and the People’s Republic of China for their assistance.”
It’s expected that he will receive a full evaluation to address any medical or emotional concerns before being reunited with family.
King’s administrative status will be addressed following his successful reintegration, according to US officials.
“We are grateful to the Swedish government for its diplomatic role in serving as the protective power for the United States in (North Korea) and to the government of the People’s Republic of China for its assistance in facilitating the safe transit of Private King,” according to US officials.
“Our focus within the military at this point is really caring for Private King and his family.”
