North Korea confirms U.S. soldier in its custody

North Korean state media on Wednesday reported U.S. Army Private Travis King fled there because he “harbored ill feelings against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.” It is the first time the country has formally acknowledged that King is in their custody. King willfully crossed the border into the hermit state last month after he skipped a flight from South Korea back to the United States. He faced disciplinary action back home and was previously held by South Korean authorities on assault charges. The North Korean report claims he was seeking refuge in North Korea or another country. United States officials could not immediately verify the claims.

How has the United States responded? The U.S. Department of Defense said its primary goal is to facilitate King’s safe return home, said department spokesman Martin Meiners. A spokesman for King’s family said his mother is concerned for his safety and has appealed to North Korea to treat him humanely. 

Dig deeper: Listen to Carolina Lumetta’s report on The World and Everything in It podcast about two women fleeing North Korea and finding their faith.