SEOUL: A US citizen has crossed into North Korea from South Korea “without authorization,” according to United Nations (UN) officials on Tuesday.
The United Nations Command overseeing the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between South and North Korea stated, “A US national… crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).” The UN Command took to Twitter to confirm the incident and mentioned that they are currently working with their North Korean People’s Army (KPA) counterparts to resolve the situation.
The individual involved was participating in a tour of the Joint Security Area, which is a border village located in the demilitarized zone where soldiers from both sides stand guard. While South Korea’s Dong-a Ilbo daily, citing the South Korean army, identified the person as Mr. Travis King, a US Army soldier holding the rank of private second class, Reuters was unable to immediately verify the identity mentioned in the report.
US Advises Citizens Against Entering North Korea
The US State Department has implemented a travel advisory that prohibits Americans from entering North Korea “due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention.” This ban was enforced after the detainment and subsequent death of US college student Otto Warmbier in 2017. Warmbier was arrested by North Korean authorities during a tour of the country in 2015 and passed away days after his release from prison when he returned to the United States in a coma.
The incident of an unauthorized border crossing by a US citizen has raised concerns, as diplomatic efforts will be required to ensure their safe return. The UN Command and relevant authorities are working diligently to resolve the situation and bring the individual back safely.
