Safety and well-being of our service member," Austin added. The Korean Demilitarized Zone has been a highly sensitive area since the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953. It is heavily guarded and crossing the border without proper authorization is considered a serious offense. What happens next? The U.S. government is actively working to secure the release of Private Travis King from North Korean custody. The State Department has been in contact with their counterparts in North Korea through diplomatic channels to resolve the situation peacefully. However, North Korea has not yet made any public statements regarding the detainment of the American soldier. The United Nations Command in South Korea has also been involved in coordinating efforts to bring King back safely. The incident has raised concerns about the security protocols in place for U.S. military personnel leaving South Korea. The U.S. military is conducting an internal investigation to determine how King was able to leave the airport and cross into North Korea without detection. The tour company that facilitated King's visit to the DMZ is also under scrutiny to determine if any negligence or lack of oversight contributed to the incident. The U.S. military has emphasized that King's actions do not reflect the professionalism and commitment of the thousands of American service members stationed in South Korea. The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by military personnel in maintaining discipline and adherence to regulations while stationed abroad. The U.S. government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of Private Travis King and will provide updates as the situation unfolds.