MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Seoul may consider a new location in the southern county of Seongju for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system amid fierce opposition by local residents, a presidential spokesman said on Friday.
Residents of Seongju County, where the system is expected to be deployed, protest against the deployment of the missile system over potential negative health effects caused by the electromagnetic waves emanating from the THAAD's radar.
"Although it may not be easy to change the already designated site, [the government] will conduct a thorough study to see if there is another site [capable of hosting THAAD] should there be a request [for such a study]," Jung Youn-kuk was quoted as saying by the Yonhap News agency.
On July 13, the country’s Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn together with Defense Minister Han Min-koo visited the county in a bid to persuade local residents to accept the deployment of the THAAD system. The attempt failed, with locals throwing eggs and water bottles at the officials.
The THAAD system is designed to intercept short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles at the terminal incoming stage. The system's deployment to Seoul has caused concerns in North Korea, as well as China and Russia.
