"Enjoy Reading the Bible Without Alcohol or Smoking"
May Have Been Influenced to Some Extent by Cousin's Death
Questions are growing about the motive behind the defection of a U.S. soldier stationed in South Korea who crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) without authorization while touring the Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA).
Earlier, on the 18th, Private Travis King (23), who was touring the JSA, crossed the MDL and defected without permission.
According to the AP and other media on the 20th, King's family speculated that the death of his cousin may have had some influence on his actions.
King's maternal aunt, Lakeia Nad, said that King was under significant stress because her son, King's cousin, passed away in February due to a genetic disorder.
Private Travis King, who illegally crossed into North Korea on the 18th. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
The media reported that relatives described King as a "quiet loner." He did not drink or smoke and enjoyed reading the Bible. They also said King was excited to serve his country while in South Korea.
King's maternal grandfather, Carl Gates, said, "If Travis were in his right mind, he wouldn't have done such a thing deliberately," adding, "He is a good kid. He doesn't want to hurt anyone, nor does he want to hurt himself."
Meanwhile, King has a history of being arrested several times on assault charges while serving with the U.S. Forces Korea. In October last year, he was arrested on the spot by police who responded to a report of an assault in the Mapo District of Seoul. At that time, King swore and repeatedly kicked the right rear door of the patrol car he was riding in, causing damage.
In September last year, he was also charged with assault for repeatedly punching a Korean man in the face during an altercation at a club near Hongdae in Mapo District. However, the court dismissed the charges after the victim expressed a desire not to press charges.
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