North Korea Says US Soldier Who Entered Pyongyang 'Illegally' Seeks 'Refugee' Status Over Alleged 'Inhuman Maltreatment'

North Korea has confirmed the detention of a U.S. soldier, Travis King, who entered North Korea last month, reports Politico.

North Korean official news agency KCNA asserts that Private 2nd Class Travis King crossed into the North due to his disillusionment with American society and racial discrimination in the U.S. Army. King had reportedly entered North Korea while on a civilian tour of a Korean border village on July 18, making him the first American detained in North Korea in almost five years.

“According to an investigation by a relevant organ of the DPRK, Travis King admitted that he illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK,” KCNA reported.

“During the investigation, Travis King confessed that he had decided to come over to the DPRK as he harbored ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US Army.”

“He also expressed his willingness to seek refugee in the DPRK or a third country, saying that he was disillusioned at the unequal American society,” KCNA added.

This comes amidst accusations from the U.S., South Korea and others that North Korea is using foreign detainees to gain diplomatic concessions.

The authenticity of King’s reported comments in North Korea’s state media is unverifiable. King’s fate also remains uncertain, with some analysts suggesting North Korea might try to negotiate his release in exchange for the U.S. cutting back its military activities with South Korea.

Photo by Alexander Khitrov on Shutterstock

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