North Korean Soldier Defects to South Korea

A North Korean soldier defected across the militarized border to South Korea early Tuesday. He crossed into Goseong county and was taken into custody by South Korean guards. Authorities are currently questioning his motives. Defections across the border are rare and dangerous.

A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea early on Tuesday, crossing the militarized border in the eastern part of the Korean peninsula, Yonhap news agency reported, citing the South's military.

The soldier crossed into Goseong county on the east coast, which borders North Korea, and was taken into custody by South Korean guards who had been monitoring his movements, the news agency said. A South Korean defense ministry official confirmed that the military detained an individual believed to be North Korean on the eastern front and that authorities were questioning the motives for the crossing. The official declined to provide further details.

Yonhap reported the North Korean soldier was a staff sergeant. Another North Korean resident defected to the South earlier this month via the west coast. Crossing the heavily fortified border is considered both risky and relatively rare, with most escapees typically traveling to the South through China or other third countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)