South Korean President 'shocked' by number of US missile launchers

President Moon Jae-in has just ordered an investigation into the appearance of four more US THAAD missile launchers in South Korea.

Reuters news agency quoted Mr. Yoon Young-chan, the President's spokesman, as saying today (May 30) that Mr. Moon was "shocked" to learn that the THAAD system that the US military deployed in South Korea to counter the North Korean missile threat had four additional launchers in addition to the two launchers installed before the election.

These four additional launchers were added without notice to the new government or the public.

New South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Photo: Reuters

With the approval of the previous South Korean government, the US military installed the THAAD system in the town of Seongju, 300km southeast of the capital Seoul.

THAAD consists of 6 mobile launchers, 48 ​​interceptors, 1 AN/TPY-2 radar and fire control and communication equipment. THAAD is capable of intercepting and destroying short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in the final phase of their flight.

The THAAD deployment was a controversial issue in the South Korean presidential election on May 10 and angered China. "We are determined to use all means to protect our interests," China's Foreign Ministry said.

According to Vietnamnet.vn