North Korea has announced its decision to expel US Army Private Travis King, who illegally crossed into North Korea from South Korea during a tour of the joint security area in July. The state media KCNA reported on Wednesday that the relevant organ of the DPRK has completed the investigation into King’s case. However, the report does not provide any details on when, where, and how King will be expelled from North Korea. King, who was facing assault charges in South Korea, crossed the military demarcation line into North Korea one day before he was due to be removed from the military and return to Fort Bliss, Texas. North Korea claims that King has confessed to illegally intruding into their territory due to his disillusionment with the unequal US society and racial discrimination within the US Army.
According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, it wouldn’t be surprising if North Korea were to use King as a propaganda tool or bargaining chip. However, at the time of Kirby’s statement, there was no indication of King’s location, the conditions he was being held under, or information about his health. The US government is focused on obtaining information about King and ensuring his well-being. CNN, however, cannot verify whether the statements attributed to King by North Korea are his own words. This situation adds another layer of tension to the already strained relationship between the US and North Korea.