The World On arirang

On September 6, three days after North Korea's sixth nuclear test, the Moon Jae-in administration decided to deploy the additional THAAD missile launchers. After the presidential election in May, President Moon Jae-in has been struggling with the issue of the THAAD deployment passed down from the previous administration. Meanwhile, just after North Korea launched an ICBM missile on July 29, President Moon Jae-in ordered for a temporary deployment of four THAAD missile launchers, and on September 3, when North Korea conducted a nuclear test, the deployment was completed. Citizens of Seongju County, in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, which is the location of the THAAD deployment, immediately reacted. There were protests and a number of casualties in the process. The Progressive Party also accused President Moon Jae-in for going against his own pledge. The THAAD deployment issue became the "hot potato" of the Moon Jae-in administration, as the controversy surrounding the THAAD deployment is expected to continue for a while.

Decision made for additional THAAD deployment to overcome the security crisis. However, the decision was followed by opposition. China, which has expressed its opposition since the beginning stages, immediately protested the recent deployment, and even protested to the South Korean ambassador to China. The Chinese media also poured their criticism on the decision to deploy the THAAD. In addition, there's even talks of ineffectiveness of the THAAD, stating that it will not be helpful for the security on the Korean peninsula. On September 11, local time, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea. Even China and Russia, who opposed the decision of the additional THAAD missile launchers, also voted for the resolution, as this week, our panels will discuss various topics, on the subject of the 'additional THAAD deployment'.