A U.S. Soldier willfully defected by running to North Korea through the demarcation line. He was also reportedly seen laughing while crossing over to the North Korean side of the DMZ. He is believed to have been facing disciplinary actions due to assault. North Korean guards have detained him up after crossing. If he wanted to escape his disciplinary actions, and ease his border crossing crime by supplying military information to North Korea, I think it's safe to conclude that a US soldier nonetheless serving time in US soil would be better than serving time in a country hostile to the United States. North Korea is not exactly a friendly state to the United States. Except for Denis Rodman.