North Korean Defector Former U.S. Soldier "So Happy to Be Back Home"

Private King likely to face disciplinary procedures in upcoming military court trial

On the 27th (local time), major foreign media reported that Private Travis King of the U.S. Forces Korea, who voluntarily defected to North Korea last July and was expelled from North Korea after 71 days, said, "I am so happy to be able to return home."

U.S. soldier Travis King, who defected to North Korea last July and was later released [Image source=Yonhap News]

A senior U.S. government official told reporters on the same day, "Private King is very eager to see his family," conveying this message.

Private King was expelled from North Korea and transferred to Dandong, China, this morning, then moved to Osan Air Base in South Korea before being transported to the United States. North Korea expelled Private King to China without imposing any conditions.

Another U.S. official explained, "We will guide Private King to address medical and emotional issues and ensure he can reunite with his family in a good place."

Private King's mother, Claudin Gates, expressed gratitude to those who worked for her son's release.

However, a U.S. official explained that Private King may face disciplinary procedures through a military court in the future.

Last July, while moving to receive disciplinary action in the United States, Private King defected and went on a tour of Panmunjom. During the tour, he suddenly defected to North Korea through the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom. Subsequently, Swedish authorities mediated the expulsion process of Private King as the U.S. interests representative, and North Korea recently conveyed a message to the United States expressing willingness to release Private King within the past few days.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.