Protests continues against THAAD
By Kim Se-jeong
Residents continued their protests against the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) over the weekend in regions considered as possible sites for the U.S. missile defense system.
The protests came after Seoul and Washington agreed Friday to deploy the advanced defense system on South Korean soil in an effort to deter North Korean ballistic missile threats.
The two countries’ military officials said they were in the final stages of selecting the site for THAAD out of five candidates: Chilgok County in North Gyeongsang Province, Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province, Eumseong in North Chungcheong Province, Wonju in Gangwon Province and Gunsan in North Jeolla Province. The two plan to announce the final candidate soon.
In front of Waegwan train station in Chilgok County, Saturday, 3,000 residents gathered to protest against a THAAD installation in the region. Waegwan seems to be one of the strongest candidates because of its small population and an existing U.S. military base.
“THAAD is a big threat to the safety and health of local residents. We say no to THAAD,” read a sign held by a resident.
Local politicians also echoed the residents. “We oppose THAAD in our region,” county chief Baek Seon-gi said during the protest. “THAAD will also jeopardize the region’s economy as well.” He had his hair shaved in a show of resistance.
In Pyeongtaek, another strong candidate base for its proximity to Seoul, a network of local civic groups released a statement Saturday, expressing their opposition to a THAAD base in the city. The network will organize a talk for residents about THAAD, Wednesday. The governor of North Chungcheong Province released a statement, Sunday, expressing his regret that Eumseong is also being considered for the site. Residents were getting ready for a bigger protest on Monday.
Many residents believe the concern for health is legitimate. The THAAD radar will release a horizontal beam, which can reach as far as 3.6 kilometers they say.
The military manual between the two countries requires people to be equipped with special gear before entering the THAAD perimeter. The Ministry of Defense said it will ensure safety and health, adding that the radar can be installed on the top of mountains, which will reduce the possibility of being exposed to emissions significantly.