US Search For Information On Soldiers Who Cross Illegally To North Korea

JAKARATA - President Joe Biden's administration is still seeking information about United States soldiers crossing into North Korea illegally, the White House said.

The US has identified the soldier as Second Private Travis King. He was reportedly in North Korea's custody after crossing the Joint Security Area (JSA) in the Demilitarized Zone on Tuesday (18/7) Korean time.

"We are still gathering all the facts. It's still very early," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre as quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, July 20.

"But I want to make it clear that the government has and will continue to work actively to ensure the safety and return of King Soldiers to us and his family," he said.

The US Department of Defense has had a dialogue with the North Korean military, known as the Korean People's Army, in a bid to secure King's release and confirm the facts leading to his arrest.

King is reportedly on his way back to the US to face disciplinary action after spending time in South Korean military prisons on charges of assault.

King was given security clearance in South Korea before returning to the US when he joined a tour group scheduled to visit the border village of Panmunjom. From there, he illegally crossed into North Korea, according to media reports.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that King deliberately and without authorization crossed the military's demarcation line.

"We are closely monitoring and investigating the situation and working to notify our closest relatives, and are trying to deal with this incident," he said.

"I'm really concerned about the safety of our troops. So we will stay focused on this effort, and once again, the situation will develop in the next few days and hours," Austin said.