U.S. Soldier Travis King Returns Home After 70-Day North Korea Detention, Faces Court Martial

U.S. Army Pvt. Travis King, detained by North Korea after crossing the Demilitarized Zone, was sentenced to 12 months' confinement after pleading guilty to desertion and other charges, including assaulting an officer. He initially faced potential punishment of up to 20 years but negotiated a plea deal that led to the withdrawal of nine other offenses, including possession of sexual images of a child. His attorney stated that Travis is thankful for the support he received from friends and family, as well as others who withheld judgment prior to the hearing.

Detainment and Release

In July 2023, King crossed the heavily fortified border from South Korea and became the first American detained in North Korea in almost five years. His actions followed a period of imprisonment in South Korea for assault charges. After his release, military officers were escorting him to the airport to return to Fort Bliss when he diverted to join a civilian tour of the Korean border village of Panmunjom. Subsequently, he fled across the well-guarded border and was detained by North Korean authorities. After approximately two months, Pyongyang announced his expulsion, and he was flown back to Texas on September 28. He has since been in custody there.

King spent a total of 71 days in North Korean custody, during which he faced legal proceedings leading to the eventual plea agreement and sentencing to twelve months' confinement. The case drew significant attention due to its extraordinary circumstances.