"Our military safely captured the man at around 9:50 a.m. In coordination with related authorities, we will carry out investigation into the man, including how he crossed the border and if he has the intention to defect to the South," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement obtained by Yonhap News Agency of Seoul, South Korea.
"No unusual moves by the North Korean military have been detected."
Military officials claim the individual in question crossed the inter-Korean border near Goseong County in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
The manhunt was initiated following late Tuesday night reports of a presumed defection attempt from the North, according to military officials.
It's unclear if the individual is a civilian or affiliated with North Korea's military.
Officials have not yet communicated how the person is believed to have crossed the border.