S. Korean President Orders Probe On Additional THAAD Systems Deployment

South Korea’s new president, Moon Jae-in, has ordered an investigation on installation of four US-built THAAD anti-missile systems after the ministry failed to inform the new government on the latest development.

The President initiated the probe after learning that a complete set of six launchers were on South Korean soil, Moon’s spokesman, Yoon Young-chan, told a media briefing Tuesday. 

"President Moon said it was very shocking to hear the four additional launchers had been installed without being reported to the new government or to the public, Young-chan said.

The first two mobile launchers arrived in South Korea in March and were deployed in Seongju county, southeast of Seoul. A single Thaad unit consists of six mobile launchers and 48 interceptor missiles, along with ground control and radar systems, according to the defense ministry’s website.

President Moon had been repeatedly criticizing the previous government for agreeing to host the THAAD system, whose deployment has also infuriated China, without seeking parliamentary approval.