American soldier who crossed into North Korea arrives back in the US, video appears to show

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The U.S. soldier who made a daring sprint across the heavily fortified border into North Korea more than two months ago has returned to the United States, as shown in a video that surfaced early Thursday.

North Korea’s unexpected announcement on Wednesday regarding the expulsion of Pvt. Travis King led to his organized return to the U.S., facilitated through the assistance of Sweden, an ally, and China, a rival nation, as reported by the White House.

While authorities have reassured that the 23-year-old King is in good health and the immediate focus is on his well-being and reintegration into American society, his challenges are likely far from over.

King, who had previously served in South Korea, made his fateful journey into North Korea during a civilian tour of a border village on July 18, becoming the first confirmed American detainee in the isolated nation in nearly five years. At that time, he was meant to be en route to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from a South Korean prison after an assault conviction.

King has been officially declared AWOL (Absent Without Leave) from the Army, a status that, in many cases, can automatically lead to being classified as a deserter.

The consequences for going AWOL or desertion can vary, influenced partly by whether the service member voluntarily returns or is apprehended. King’s handover by North Korea adds complexity to this situation.

A video aired by a Texas news station on Thursday appeared to capture King disembarking from a plane in San Antonio. Dressed in dark clothing, he briefly interacted with people waiting on the tarmac, shaking hands with one person before being led into a building.

Officials had previously announced his transfer to the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. King is expected to undergo psychological assessments and debriefings, as well as have an opportunity to reunite with his family. His legal status, however, remains intricate, and he will be under military custody throughout the process.

On Wednesday, Swedish authorities escorted King to the Chinese border, where he was met by U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, the Swedish ambassador to China, and at least one U.S. Defense Department official. From there, he was transported to a U.S. military base in South Korea before his return to the United States.

It remains unclear why North Korea, a nation with strained relations with Washington due to issues such as its nuclear program and support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, decided to release him or what compelled the soldier to flee into North Korea in the first place.

In the past, North Korea has been accused of using American detainees as bargaining tools, and there were speculations that the North might attempt to exploit the propaganda value of a U.S. soldier. However, analysts suggest that King’s legal issues may have limited his propaganda potential, and Biden administration officials have asserted that no concessions were granted to North Korea in exchange for his release.

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More about border-crossing incident

• CNN: American soldier who crossed into North Korea arrives back in the US
• BBC News: US soldier who crossed into North Korea returns
• The New York Times: American Soldier Who Fled to North Korea Returns to U.S.