Private 2nd Class Travis King had passed through airport security as he was being sent home from South Korea for disciplinary reasons. He still somehow managed to leave the airport and join a civilian tour of the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea.
As he left the tour group behind, he reportedly let out a loud laugh as he ran away. He’s now in North Korean custody, according to US officials.
Mr King had just been released from prison where he had been held on assault charges and was facing additional military disciplinary actions in the US.