On Wednesday, the US declared its determination to seek the release of Travis King, an American soldier who crossed into North Korea. Furthermore, the country advocated caution in response to the words attributed to the soldier by North Korea. North Korea broke its silence on Tuesday (August 15th) on Travis King’s entry into their territory last month. The country claimed that the Black soldier deserted due to “racial discrimination” and that he had “ill feelings” toward the US Army. In an interview with reporters, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre counseled caution given the source of the remarks.
“We would caution everyone to consider the source here. That is incredibly important,” said Jean-Pierre, when questioned about North Korea’s remarks on King. According to AFP, North Korean propaganda frequently emphasizes cases of racial prejudice in the United States. Despite the comments, Jean-Pierre maintained that the US’s purpose remained the same: to ensure King’s safe return. “It makes no difference. We want to make certain that he arrives home safely.”
King had been detained by South Korean authorities after pleading guilty to an assault incident
State Department spokesman Vedant Patel shared this stance, saying that the US is focused on supporting King’s safe return. “Our priority is to bring Private King home through all available channels,” he explained. And his well-being is a primary priority for us.” Patel also stated that no contact has been made with North Korea since its Tuesday announcement. He also claimed that the US is working with Sweden, which represents US interests in Pyongyang, to get King back. Previously, the US claimed that King had crossed the border “willfully and without authorization” at the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea.
King, 23, had been detained by South Korean authorities after pleading guilty to an assault incident and the destruction of public property. He was due to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, after serving his sentence there, to face military disciplinary procedures for his activities.