Economist Podcasts Runaway soldier: American detained in North Korea
Jul 20, 2023
Alice Forward, co-host of Money Talks, dives into the complex situation of Private Travis King, an American soldier detained in North Korea. She explores his motivations for crossing the border and the intricate diplomatic challenges involved in securing his release. The discussion also highlights how the historical context of American captives impacts negotiations. Additionally, Alice examines the reliability of gold as an investment amid inflation and reveals fascinating insights into mountain erosion dynamics, contrasting glaciers and landslides.
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A Tale of Two Defections
- In 2017, North Korean soldier Oh Chung-sung was shot while defecting to South Korea.
- Private Travis King recently crossed the same border in the opposite direction.
Travis King's Troubles and Defection
- Private Travis King, an American soldier, crossed into North Korea after facing legal trouble in South Korea.
- He was due to return to the US for a military tribunal but joined a tour and ran across the border.
A Bargaining Chip?
- North Korea might use King as a bargaining chip.
- Similar to past instances where they used captives to engage with US officials.