US Soldier Travis King, who fled from South to North Korea in July has been taken into American custody after being expelled by Pyongyang.
The 23-year-old reconnaissance specialist who illegally crossed into North Korea was transferred into US custody in China.
King, who was serving in South Korea as part of his rotation faced assault charges over a conflict with locals, and spent 47 days at a Korean detention facility, from which he was released in July
The 23-year-old private was set to face military disciplinary measures in Fort Bliss, Texas, but managed to escape his guards on the way back to the United States.
North Korean media said he had fled because of inhuman treatment and racism within the US military.