[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense Club] Indefinite THAAD Temporary Deployment... Military Says "No Legal Issues"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a high-altitude defense system that intercepts ballistic missiles at altitudes between 40 and 150 km. Together with the Korean Missile Defense system, which is a lower-altitude defense system operating below 40 km, it establishes a multi-layered defense system.

In January 2016, following North Korea's fourth nuclear test and long-range rocket (missile) launches that increased nuclear and missile threats, calls for deploying THAAD by the US Forces Korea grew louder. In July of the same year, the South Korean and US military authorities selected Seongju County in Gyeongsangbuk-do as the site for the THAAD base. Despite strong opposition from civic groups and local residents, in September of the same year, amid the aftermath of North Korea's fifth nuclear test, the Seongju Golf Course was confirmed as an alternative site, and the THAAD deployment was pushed forward.

Subsequently, the US Forces Korea brought in and deployed two THAAD launchers and related equipment at the end of April 2017, just before President Moon Jae-in's election. Amid controversy over reporting omissions, four additional launchers were deployed in September of the same year after President Moon took office. Although domestic conflicts surrounding THAAD and China's opposition did not subside, the deployment became a fait accompli with the news of North Korea's sixth nuclear test in September 2017, and since then, the system has been maintained in a temporary deployment and operational status.

In February last year, the US Forces Korea submitted a project plan to the Ministry of National Defense for 700,000 square meters of land within the Seongju THAAD base. According to the plan, the Ministry of National Defense must consult with the Ministry of Environment and proceed with a general environmental impact assessment. The government’s policy is to decide on the final deployment of THAAD based on the results of this general environmental impact assessment. However, it is reported that the general environmental impact assessment process has not yet begun.

A Ministry of National Defense official stated, "The general environmental impact assessment is still being prepared and there is no specific deadline," adding, "According to the law, only the assessment procedures and contents are stipulated, so temporary deployment will continue until the general environmental impact assessment is completed."

Although the government’s policy is to decide the final deployment of THAAD based on the results of the general environmental impact assessment, the assessment process remains at a standstill, leading to criticism that the deployment is effectively already in place.