North Korea has decided to expel US Army Private Travis King, who crossed into North Korea from South Korea during a tour of the joint security area in July, according to state media KCNA. The report stated that the investigation into King has been completed, but it is unclear when and how he will be expelled. North Korea claimed that King confessed to illegally intruding into their territory due to mistreatment and racial discrimination within the US army and disillusionment with the unequal US society. However, CNN cannot verify whether these are King’s own words.
Last month, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby mentioned that it wouldn’t be surprising for North Korea to use King as a propaganda tool or bargaining chip. Kirby also expressed concerns about getting information regarding King’s location, the conditions he’s being held in, and his health. Despite the lack of clear details, the decision to expel King underscores the tension between the US and North Korea, as the latter continues to use such incidents to further its political agenda.