Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

“THAAD is the matter of national safety…it cannot be changed”

“My only mission is to protect our country and people to be safe from any threats”

Emphasized that ‘the decision was made after thorough review and serious consideration’

Expressed concerns about controversy raised by wild rumors

Reiterated her will to listen to the voice of people and strengthen communication

President Park Geun-hye asked for the public’s understanding about
the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), emphasizing that the decision was made after thorough reviews and great considerations to protect the people.

At the Cabinet meeting under her chairmanship on August 2, she said, “I’m very concerned about the constant conflict over the THAAD deployment given that North Korea is advancing its nuclear ability and continues to develop the performance of its nuclear ballistic missile.” And, she emphasized, “The decision was made after a long period of consideration and thorough reviews, with the goal of protecting our people from the North’s nuclear and missile threats.”

She continued, “After several site inspections and simulations over a number of months, the government finally chose Seongju for THAAD base, and repeated examinations have shown that there are no safety issues. If there was even the slightest danger to local residents caused by the THAAD deployment, I would never have made that decision.”

Then, Ms President expressed her serious concern about the growing controversy and confusion due to erroneous rumors. She said, “Governmental officials, including the prime minister and ministers of many departments, have visited Seongju and tried to explain things as detailed as possible. They worked very hard to listen to Seongju residents. However, my concern is that various strange stories and rumors, rather than clearly proven scientific facts, have been spreaded and (as a result) shaken the foundation of our national security. If a North Korean nuclear missile becomes a real threat, there will be no region in Korea that is safe. How can we protect the safety of the country and the people if we don’t arrange a basic defense system like THAAD deployment? It is a matter of safety for the country and its people, which cannot be changed.”

President Park went on to refer to Korea's painful history, saying that Korea belongs to the people and the next generation; she also had a poignant moment of remembering the loss of her parents. She said, “As a president, my only mission is to protect our country and people to be safe from various threats. To accomplish this, I have been persuading countries around the world to cut off support for North Korea and cooperate closely with us, so that North Korea gives up its nuclear project and its missiles.” She also expressed her strong intention to communicate better to solve disputes around THAAD deployment. She said, “Beyond the THAAD deployment, I myself will meet members of the National Assembly and heads of the local government, the representatives of the region, to listen to local residents about various pending issues including THAAD deployment as well as work actively to solve the issues. And my active work for the public will continue in order to revive each local economy. I’d like to ask the Cabinet members to make a greater effort to explain the necessity and safety of the THAAD deployment, and ask for the understanding of your constituents. Our lawmakers need to combine their wisdom and forces to prevent the internal divisions and conflicts that North Korea seeks.”

By Yeong-Sun, Lee < ys119@dema.mil.kr >
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