Travis Travale King (born c. 2000) is a former United States Army soldier known for crossing over the Military Demarcation Line in the Joint Security Area (JSA) into North Korea on July 18, 2023, while on a civilian tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

[3] King was facing dishonorable discharge and additional disciplinary actions from the United States Army due to legal charges in South Korea, where he was stationed at the time of crossing, as well as other cases of misconduct, insubordination, assault, attempted escape from U.S. military custody, and possession of child pornography,[4][5][6] which may have prompted his crossing.

[7][8] However, North Korean authorities asserted that King fled after becoming "disillusioned with the inequality of American society and racial discrimination in its Army".

[24] Following charges of assault, King was fined ₩5 million (US$3,950) on February 8, 2023, by the Seoul Western District Court which he failed to pay.

[1][25] After his release, King spent a week at United States military base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek under observation.

[1] King was to board a flight to Fort Bliss, Texas, for "pending administrative separation actions for foreign conviction"[7] in the United States, but instead fled the airport,[1] approaching an American Airlines employee and claiming he was missing his passport.

Witnesses claim that King, dressed in black, suddenly ran to the North Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line while the tour was ongoing, making a loud "laughing" noise while running.

KCNA further stated that King "expressed his willingness to seek refuge in the DPRK or a third country, saying that he was disillusioned at the unequal American society".

A statement issued by Rosenblatt said that King would "plead not guilty to the remaining offenses, which the Army will withdraw and dismiss".

[45] He was found guilty of the relevant charges and sentenced to 12 months in confinement but was released immediately due to good behavior and having served 338 days in detention.