North Korea says US soldier Travis King who crossed into country in July will be expelled

The soldier was waiting to be sent back to the U.S. from South Korea when he crossed the border during a tour.

Published: September 27, 2023 7:05am

Updated: September 27, 2023 7:44am

North Korea on Wednesday said it will expel U.S. Pvt. Travis King, who crossed over the border into the communist country in July, according to state media.

The soldier was waiting to be sent back to the U.S. from South Korea for disciplinary proceedings when he crossed the border during a civilian tour. 

King, 23, had spent 47 days in a South Korean prison for assault and damage to a police vehicle.

King told North Korean officials that he crossed the border "out of antipathy toward inhumane abuse and racial discrimination within the U.S. military and disillusionment with the unequal American society," according to state-run media outlet KCNA, as translated. 

North Korea decided to deport King, but it did not state when it plans to expel him or to where. 

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