The North Korean soldier who defected across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) left his barracks over a week ago, according to a press release issued today by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The soldier – who is in his late teens – reportedly moved towards South Korea either on foot or by vehicle after leaving the North Korean military on June 7.

“After staying overnight near our guard post, the soldier was first spotted by our service members on patrol at around 7:55 a.m. He right away expressed his will to defect, and we secured the man,” the JCS press