Deployment of the THAAD has been met with criticism not only from local residents, but also from experts. Analysts say the system will only protect the interests of US military bases in South Korea.
The deployment of THAAD has become a destablizing influence in the region. Experts say, it can't effectively protect the capital, while having a long range capacity to intercept missiles. They also say South Korea will gain nothing but threats of possible military conflicts as a result of the THAAD deployment.
"The Korean peninsula is only 1,000 kilometers long, but the U.S. THAAD anti-missile system can intercept missiles travelling extremely high, outside of the atmosphere. Its technical parameters obviously exceed the defense of the Korean peninsula. The explanation that the United States and South Korea has given to the public is not convincing," said Alexander Vorontsov, head of the Division of DPRK & Mongolia of the Institute of Oriental Studies.
A US expert has criticized the decision to deploy THAAD in South Korea as "reckless and provocative", adding that the decision has destabilised China-US relations and the situation in the Asian-Pacific region.
"It should be understood as a direct threat...spy on every piece of China...Who benefits, who makes money...what we call a military industry complex," said Brian Becker, answer coalition.
Neighboring countries also have to prepare for possible threats from the deployment, which will escalate tensions in the region.
"We together with China, are forcefully opposed to the deployment of THAAD, because it will upset and break the global military balance of power. The system is the first weapon of its kind in South Korea. It boasts new military technology and new features. It may trigger an arms race -- forcing Russia and China to take measures to deal with the situation -- and creating a long-term adverse trend," said Alexander Vorontsov.
Protesters and experts say the THAAD deployment doesn't bring South Korea security, or peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula.
