Since the end of the Korean War more than 70 years ago, at least 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea, but most have gone through China. It has been far less common for anyone to try crossing the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which is covered with landmines and heavily monitored by both sides. Still, it has happened at least twice this year.

In July, an unidentified North Korean man crossed the heavily fortified border and made it to South Korea, although it was not clear if he was actually trying to defect. However, that was very much the goal for another individual who crossed a central portion of the land border, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff announced via a statement on Monday.

According to reports, the North Korean soldier has sought to resettle in the Republic of Korea (ROK), more commonly known as South Korea. It isn’t clear if he had come under fire during his dash for the border.

The Associated Press noted that it was........

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