Full coverage: THAAD Deployment in South Korea

South Koreans living in Seongju are unhappy over Seoul's recent decision to deploy the anti-missile defense system THAAD in their county. Many are concerned that the THAAD missile system could damage the environment and negatively affect people's health. 

"Life here in Seongju, South Korea is slow-paced, especially compared to the hustle and bustle of city life in places like Seoul. The county’s 50,000 residents go about their daily lives, buying things at marketplaces like the one you see behind me next to this tranquil stream. But if you look not too far off in the distance, you can see that small mountain. That’s how close authorities say the THAAD anti-missile defense system will be, and that’s what makes residents here so nervous," said Shane Hahm from Seongju, South Korea.

"I’ve thought about how THAAD will affect my business. I don’t know exactly what will happen but it does worry me and it makes me uncomfortable," said Seongju resident Lee Tae-Gyun.

"If THAAD comes in, it’s going to affect tourism and the local economy," said Seongju resident Lee Im-Tak.

"Where I’m standing is about a kilometer and a half away from the proposed THAAD site. The government says THAAD’s X-band radar is safe anywhere outside a 500m radius. But what about 550m? 600m? These are the questions residents want answered and they don’t feel authorities are answering them. In addition, they’re worried about the heat that the THAAD system will generate -- and how it will affect the surrounding environment and the local bee population, which is vital to local crops, particularly their famous Seongju melons," said Shane Hahm.