Park rejects calls for THAAD reconsideration
By Kang Seung-woo
President Park Geun-hye has rejected calls from opposition politicians and liberal activists to reconsider deploying an advanced U.S. missile defense system here, describing it as the “optimal” measure against North Korea’s evolving threats.
“Despite continued nuclear and ballistic missile threats from North Korea, some politicians and citizens call for the government to reconsider the deployment plan,” Park said during a National Security Council (NSC) meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. “If there is a better alternative ― other than deploying THAAD here ― to protect our people from the North’s missile attacks, please propose it.
“They should not push the THAAD issue to the center of a political squabble for reconsideration, which is currently dividing the nation and creating social unrest.”
Last week, the defense ministry announced that a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery will be deployed in Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, by next year.
However, the plan is drawing a backlash from residents and politicians who have urged the government to reconsider or scrap the plan, citing potential health problems and a lack of discussions with the region before the decision.
Defending the decision, Park said she would focus on playing her role for the nation and the people under any circumstances.
“I have recently been receiving much criticism and resistance (due to the THAAD deployment), but as the commander-in-chief, I will steadily perform my job for the nation because, should the President waiver in this situation, the country would become unstable,” she said.
The NSC meeting was held two days after the Kim Jong-un regime fired three ballistic missiles into the East Sea in an apparent protest against Seoul’s THAAD decision. One day later, the repressive state said the launch was a drill practicing pre-emptive strikes against South Korean ports and airfields.
President Park said the nation should remain on alert over possible North Korean provocations, including a nuclear test.
“Recently, dubious activities linked to a nuclear test have been detected in North Korea. I believe the North can carry it out unexpectedly because Kim Jong-un has repeatedly vowed to,” she said, adding that military provocations near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), or the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and cyber attacks on government offices or private firms are feasible, as well.
“Under the strong ROK-U.S. alliance, the South Korean military should be prepared to sternly counter the North’s possible provocations,” she said.
There are growing signs that the North may detonate a nuclear device this month.
On Monday, Japan’s Kyodo News said there were indications North Korea was preparing to carry out a nuclear test as early as this month, citing government officials from South Korea and Japan.
On Sunday, Seoul and Washington intelligence authorities said they had detected a spike in the movement of vehicles and personnel at the North’s nuclear test site in Punggye-ri following the THAAD decision.
“North Korea is highly expected to carry out a fifth nuclear test within this month,” said An Chan-il, head of the World Institute for North Korea Studies.