The Intelligence from The Economist Runaway soldier: American detained in North Korea
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Jul 20, 2023 
Andrew Knox, a Korea correspondent for The Economist, delves into the intriguing case of Private Travis King, raising questions about his motives for defecting to North Korea and the complexities of diplomacy required for his release. Alice Forward, co-host of Money Talks, switches gears to explore the often-debated role of gold as an inflation hedge, revealing how its effectiveness can fluctuate in today's economic climate. The conversation even touches on the geological processes that shape mountain formation—an unexpected twist in a discussion blending geopolitics and economics.
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Soldier Defection
- In 2017, North Korean soldier Oh Chung-sung was shot five times by his comrades.
- He was sprinting towards freedom in South Korea.
Travis King's Crossing
- Private Travis King, an American soldier, ran across the border into North Korea.
- Eyewitnesses report that he was laughing during the incident.
Bargaining Chip
- North Korea might use Travis King as a bargaining chip, similar to past instances.
- Former presidents Carter and Clinton, and Mike Pompeo, went to North Korea to secure American captives' release.