Park Geun Hye on THAAD Deployment
TL;DR
Park Geun Hye strongly advocated for and initiated the deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile defense system in South Korea.
Key Points
In January 2016, after North Korea's fourth nuclear test, Park declared South Korea would consider THAAD deployment based on its security interests.
The decision to deploy THAAD was formally agreed upon with the United States in July 2016, with Seongju initially selected as the deployment location.
The process of deploying the first THAAD units was pushed forward rapidly in the final months of her administration before her impeachment in early 2017.
Summary
President Park Geun Hye's core position was one of strong support for the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system on South Korean soil. The decision was made in the context of perceived, escalating military threats from North Korea, evidenced by nuclear tests and continued missile firings in 2016. Following North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January 2016, her administration took an abrupt turn from previous skepticism and announced that South Korea would consider the deployment based on its security and national interests. This led to the formal agreement with the United States in July 2016 and the selection of Seongju as the site.
The push for THAAD under Park's conservative administration marked a clear shift toward a more military approach to North Korea, contrasting with previous liberal administrations' 'Sunshine Policy.' Despite intense domestic opposition, citing concerns about the system's radar range affecting neighboring countries like China and questions about its ability to protect Seoul, Park moved forward. The deployment process was accelerated in the final stages of her presidency, allegedly to prevent her successor from reversing the decision, culminating in the partial operational status of the first units around the time of her impeachment in early 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
Park Geun Hye was a strong advocate for deploying the U.S. THAAD system in South Korea. She initiated the process following increased threats from North Korea. Her stance was rooted in bolstering the country's defense capabilities against missile threats.
The primary motivation for President Park Geun Hye was the heightened threat of missile and nuclear attacks from North Korea, especially after its fourth nuclear test in January 2016. She viewed the system as necessary for South Korea's security and in line with the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Yes, the decision to deploy THAAD under Park Geun Hye sparked significant domestic backlash and protests from citizens concerned about security, the environment, and regional relations. Furthermore, the move was vehemently opposed by China and Russia.
Sources8
South Korea's THAAD crisis
PacNet #53 - For South Koreans, THAAD isn't about the United States, China, or even North Korea…it's about Park Geun-hye
A Change of Plans: Park Geun-hye's Impeachment and the Fate of THAAD — THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS REVIEW
The THAAD Deployment in South Korea: A Challenge and An Opportunity | Asia-Pacific Leadership Network
THAAD Deployment in South Korea: Militarism Leading to Political Regression
Chinese Views on South Korea’s Deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Deployment of the THAAD System to South Korea—Background and Issues
In the Eye of a Geopolitical Storm: South Korea's Lotte Group, China and the U.S. THAAD Missile Defense System (A) - Case - Faculty & Research - Harvard Business School
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.