North Korean Soldier's Defection Sparks Tensions

A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea early Tuesday via Goseong county on the eastern Korean peninsula. The South's military has not confirmed if the soldier crossed the heavily guarded border. This follows another recent defection, highlighting the rarity and risk of such escapes.

A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea early on Tuesday, according to Yonhap news agency, citing information from the South's military.

The soldier crossed into Goseong county, located on the east coast, adjacent to North Korea. It remains unclear if the soldier traversed the heavily fortified land border. The defense ministry has not yet confirmed the report.

This event follows another defection from a North Korean resident to the South earlier this month near the west coast. Defections across the Korean border are considered dangerous and are relatively infrequent, with most escapees usually navigating their way to the South via China or other third countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)