Rooting out false rumors priority in THAAD deployment: intelligence commission

The South Korean parliamentary intelligence body on Tuesday said easing the public's health concerns over the deployment of a US missile defense system must take top priority, adding the government's move to choose an alternative spot cannot end protests.

Earlier this week, South Korea said it will consider an alternative site for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, as residents of Seongju, a southern county designated earlier to host the system, staged protests claiming the system has potential risks to their health and could affect crops.

Last month, Seoul and Washington agreed to place a THAAD battery near the town located about 296 kilometers southeast of Seoul, by the end of next year in a bid to counter North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

"Before choosing an alternative spot, the government should first eradicate the concern that THAAD poses threats to health," said Rep. Lee Cheol-woo, a lawmaker from the ruling Saenuri Party who heads the National Assembly's intelligence commission.

Lee added the government should carry out an investigation to get to the root of rumors that THAAD poses health risks.

While the government has insisted the system is safe, rumors have persisted of dangers posed by THAAD's powerful AN/TPY-2 radar system.

Lee also said it is regrettable that the government is giving the impression that residents of Seonju are unaware of national security, adding Seoul should take a different approach to settle the dispute. (Yonhap)