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Park needs to effectively manage regional opposition
President Park Geun-hye must pay keen attention to resolving the simmering opposition over an abrupt announcement by Korea and the U.S. on the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, battery here. The government should not overlook the fact that it is just as important to manage the growing internal division over the THAAD deployment as the international conflict over the issue.
During a meeting Monday, the President strongly defended her decision on THAAD and urged national unity on issues relating to national security and threats from North Korea. However, this might not be the time for her to unilaterally call on the nation to accept the government's decision since her administration has so far failed to convince the public on the safety and necessity of the advanced missile defense system.
Park's argument for THAAD does not appeal to the people who reside in candidate cities, some of which are situated in rural regions. Protesters fear that their livelihoods will suffer.
Seongju in North Gyeongsang Province has emerged as a candidate town among several sites. Citizens of Seongju will launch a signature collecting campaign against THAAD deployment. Most of the candidate locations, including Pohang and Yangsan, have been staging rallies and press conferences to protest the deployment in their areas. Mayor Lee Kang-deok of Pohang, an industrial center in North Gyeongsang Province, expressed strong opposition to THAAD during a press conference Tuesday, saying that it will undermine the regional economy and endanger the environment. The resentment is not groundless because the government has been unilateral in making the decision and has not properly collected public opinion about it.
President Park said an optimal site will be selected to ensure military efficiency and residents' safety. Although belated, the government needs to clearly explain its decision and convince the residents that their lives and safety will not be affected by THAAD deployment in their areas.
During a meeting at the National Assembly Monday, Defense Minister Han Min-koo said the government was nearing a decision on the location. The government should swiftly unveil the location to clear the confusion and anger among residents in various towns and cities over THAAD. When the location is confirmed, the President herself should make an earnest effort to assuage the residents' opposition.
The government should also maintain close consultations with the National Assembly. THAAD has already become a subject of intense political wrangling. Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo of the minor opposition People's Party even called for a referendum on the issue. It is irresponsible for political leaders to be making remarks that will stir even more confusion over the issue. The government and the National Assembly should work together to manage the national division over THAAD.
