Silence from North Korea continues following the surprising border crossing of a US serviceman, Private 2nd Class Travis King. King was observed dashing across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) into North Korean territory on Tuesday while on a civilian tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The incident has prompted urgent communication attempts from the Pentagon to their North Korean counterparts, which, as of Wednesday, remain unanswered, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

This undated photo shows Travis King, the American soldier believed to be detained in North Korea. (Facebook)

Miller emphasized the delicate nature of US-North Korea relations and the ongoing efforts to ascertain King's well-being and location. He assured the public that the administration is actively working to secure King's safe return to his family. Notably, North Korean state media and government channels have yet to officially acknowledge the incident.

Tourists near the border station at Panmunjom in the DMZ shortly before King's crossing. (AP Photo/Sarah Jane Leslie)

Prior to this incident, King had spent two months in a South Korean detention facility following an altercation. During his detention, he reportedly expressed reluctance to return to the United States. King was scheduled for a flight back to the US and was escorted to the airport. However, due to security protocols, his escort couldn't accompany him past security checkpoints, allowing King to enter the terminal alone. He later departed the terminal unescorted for the DMZ tour.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting with senior officials. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)