In a startling turn of events, North Korea has announced the expulsion of US Army Private Travis King, who, in a highly unusual incident, crossed into North Korean territory from South Korea during a tour of the Joint Security Area in July. This development was reported by state media outlet Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Wednesday. At the time this is being written, he has been returned to US custody and is now on a flight back to the United States.

Expulsion Under North Korean Law And Return To The US

According to an official statement from North Korea, “The relevant organ of the [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)] decided to expel Travis King, a soldier of the US Army who illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK, under the law of the Republic.”

The report further stated that the investigation into King’s case has been concluded.

The following press statement was later put out by US Department of State Spokesman Matthew Miller: