As North Korea's state media has reported that Travis King, the detained US soldier, crossed into the country citing alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army." This report signifies a significant moment as it marks the communist nation's first official acknowledgment of the incident involving Travis King.

According to reports, Travis King, a soldier in the US military, allegedly entered North Korea while participating in a civilian tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA), which is located along the heavily fortified border dividing the two Koreas. US officials, as per Reuters, had previously indicated that King's border crossing appeared intentional.

This assertion has now been substantiated by North Korean investigators. They maintain that King intentionally and unlawfully entered North Korea, with the motive of either remaining there or seeking refuge in a third country, as stated by the state news agency KCNA.

As stated in KCNA reports, Travis King purportedly confessed during the investigation to his decision of entering North Korea. He cited grievances linked to alleged "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army."

According to the state news agency KCNA, King expressed disillusionment with what he perceived as an unequal American society. The KCNA report claims, "During the investigation, Travis King confessed that he had decided to come over to the DPRK as he harboured ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army." (Here, the initials "DPRK" refer to North Korea's official name.)

Additionally, he voiced his willingness to seek refuge in the DPRK or a third country, asserting, "disillusioned at the unequal American society," it added.

Twenty-three-year-old King, who joined the US Army in January 2021, was assigned to the Korean Rotational Force as a Cavalry Scout, part of the ongoing US security commitment to South Korea, Reuters reports. However, his tenure in this role was marred by legal issues. King faced two separate assault allegations during his South Korea deployment and admitted guilt in one assault case and public property destruction.

This reportedly occurred during a confrontation involving derogatory language towards Koreans, resulting in damage to a police vehicle. Consequently, he was detained in South Korea and, following his confinement, was set to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, to confront military disciplinary proceedings for his actions.

Image source: South China Morning Post