The unauthorized entry of a US soldier into North Korea has left his mother bewildered, as she believes such risky behavior is out of character for her son. The soldier in question is Travis King, a 23-year-old Army private stationed in South Korea. While participating in a tour of the demilitarized zone between the two countries on Tuesday, King deviated from the group and hastily crossed the border.
Claudine Gates, residing in Racine, Wisconsin, expressed her disbelief, stating, “I can’t see Travis doing anything like that,” during an interview with ABC News. Gates had spoken to her son a few days prior and simply yearned for his safe return.
Prior to this incident, King had been facing disciplinary charges within the military while stationed in South Korea. He had previously served time in a prison within the country due to assault charges. Although he was scheduled to fly back to the US and was accompanied by military personnel to the airport, he intentionally bypassed the security checkpoint and missed his flight. Instead, he joined a tour of the Joint Security Area in the demilitarized zone.
Mikaela Johansson, a Swedish tourist participating in the same tour, recalled King’s boisterous laughter as he swiftly darted between two buildings and entered the secretive realm of the Hermit Kingdom.
US officials confirmed that King, holding the rank of private second class and having served in the Army for approximately two years, “deliberately” crossed the border into the sealed-off and enigmatic nation. In her concerned state, King’s mother conveyed her pride in him, saying, “I’m so proud of him. I just want him to come home, come back to America,” in her conversation with ABC News.
The White House announced its collaboration with the Department of Defense, the State Department, and the United Nations to address and resolve the ongoing situation.
{Matzav.com}
