November 29, 2023
Analysis

Travis King’s fate still up in the air, two weeks after he fled to North Korea

Experts say Pyongyang’s silence suggests talks on release of American soldier could drag on longer than initially feared

American soldier Travis King remained in North Korean custody on Tuesday two weeks after he crossed the inter-Korean border, raising questions about his fate after the failure to secure his immediate return.

Pvt. King “wilfully” crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) separating the two Koreas during a tour of Panmunjom on July 18 in an apparent bid to escape disciplinary action, and authorities have sought to ascertain his safety and begin negotiations for his release.