Mysterious American attempts to cross the border into North Korea.

An American man was arrested by South Korean police after attempting to cross the border into North Korea.

According to the British newspaper Express, South Korean authorities believe this person intended to defect to North Korea.

Photo: Express

The individual, identified only as “A,” is 58 years old and from Louisiana. He was arrested by police after crossing the Civilian Control Line (CCL) near the North Korean border.

"A" did not have a permit, leading authorities to believe he crossed the border for "political purposes."

Incidents like this are rare, as it's usually only North Koreans who cross the border to defect – often into China and then onward to Seoul.

The South Korean National Intelligence Service, military, and police have launched a joint investigation into the matter.

The American citizen is believed to have arrived in Seoul three days prior. A villager in Baekhak Ward spotted the individual crossing the CCL.

The CCL is delineated just below the demilitarized zone separating South Korea and North Korea.

The U.S. embassy in Seoul said it was aware of the incident and was investigating. “If it is confirmed that a U.S. citizen has been arrested, the embassy will provide appropriate consular services,” an official said.

According to Vietnamnet.vn