The U.S. Soldier Who Was Detained In North Korea Has Been Charged

Travis King willfully and without authorization crossed into North Korean territory. He was expelled by the country in September and has since returned to the U.S..

The U.S. soldier that was previously detained in North Korea has been charged.

Travis King is accused of attempting to escape from U.S. military custody in October of last year, leaving base after curfew, striking other military personnel and drinking alcohol against orders. The 23-year-old is also accused of possessing child pornography. He is charged with eight counts including desertion.

King was set to take a flight back to the U.S. for possible further disciplinary action after serving over a month in a South Korean prison. However, instead, King willfully and without authorization crossed into North Korean territory. He was expelled by the country in September and has since returned to the U.S..

Little is known about how King was treated in North Korean custody, and he has not publicly explained his actions.