Travis King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Travis King
|
|
|---|---|
King in 2021
|
|
| Born | 1999/2000 (age 24–25) |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 2021–present |
| Rank |  Private |
| Unit | 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division |
| Awards | National Defense Service Medal Korean Defense Service Medal Overseas Service Ribbon |
Travis T. King (born 1999 or 2000) is a soldier in the United States Army. On July 18, 2023, he crossed into North Korea from South Korea. This happened while he was on a special tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is a border area between the two countries.
Before this event, King was supposed to fly back to the United States for military reasons. However, he left the airport instead. He then joined a group of people taking a tour of the DMZ.
Crossing into North Korea
On July 18, 2023, at about 3:27 PM Korean time, Travis King crossed the border. He was visiting the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom as part of a civilian tour. The JSA is a special part of the DMZ where soldiers from both sides stand face to face.
People who were on the tour said that King suddenly ran across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). This line marks the exact border between North and South Korea. Witnesses said he was dressed in black and made a loud "laughing" sound as he ran. Soldiers from the South Korean side tried to catch him.
Detention and Release
North Korean officials held Travis King after he crossed the border. He was detained starting July 18, 2023. After more than two months, he was released. On September 27, 2023, he was handed back to U.S. authorities.
King was then flown to Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He arrived there on September 28. He received medical care at Brooke Army Medical Center on the base. The U.S. military said they wanted to focus on his health and privacy. They also wanted to help him return to his family. The military also planned to talk with him about what happened in North Korea.
Awards and Decorations
Travis King has received several awards for his service in the U.S. Army. These awards recognize his time in the military and his deployments.
See also
- Americans in North Korea
- List of foreign nationals detained in North Korea
- Korean Demilitarized Zone
