Gov't could install facility to measure electromagnetic wave in Seongju

Gov't could install facility to measure electromagnetic wave in Seongju. July. 21, 2016 06:56. by 우경임기자, 송찬욱 woohaha@donga.com,기자song@donga.com.

Rep. Kim Jung-ro (30th Class of the Korean Military Academy) and Defense Minister Han Min-koo (31st Class of the academy) faced off at the podium. Rep. Kim is reportedly very close to Han, and used to visit Han’s home when they were cadets. However, the two engaged in a war of nerve during an emergency Q&A session on the THAAD at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

After calling Han to the podium, Rep. Kim started his offensive by saying, “I bet you dislike me and feel regret because the person you trusted is opposed (to THAAD deployment).” Han countered by saying, “It does not matter whatever you say since we are here to discuss national agenda.”

“I cannot afford to support the plan, because the grand premise of national security should be prevention of war, and because it could cause massive damage to national interest,” Kim said. “I think all the people except the defense minister would have opposed (THAAD deployment), and who did unilaterally make the decision by quelling (opposition.)?”

Minister Han did not step back by saying, “Rep. Kim, given your long military service, I thought you must be willing to support the plan. Contrary to my belief, however, you said you are opposed by citing such a reason (damage to national interest). As a person in charge of national defense, I naturally support the plan because it helps strengthen our defense capability.”

Ruling party lawmakers mostly inquired the government about follow-up measures to take after deploying THAAD, whereas opposition party lawmakers focused their questions on the need for parliamentary ratification of THAAD deployment.

When Saenuri lawmaker Kyung Dae-soo asked why the government has not conducted an assessment of environmental impact, Han said, “Guam and Japan also conducted eval‎uation on environmental impact after the candidate sites were selected,” adding, “(As for Seongju in North Gyeongsang Province), we will conduct environmental assessment and assessment on environmental impact according to the domestic law in consultation with the U.S. side.” He said the government could consider installation of a facility for measuring the level of electromagnetic wave.

Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the main opposition Minjoo Party said, “Division of public opinions due to THAAD deployment is a serious concern, and to address this issue, the National Assembly should hold discussions before having the plan ratified,” while his fellow lawmaker Chung Jae-ho demanded the government to dismiss National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin and Defense Minister Han Min-koo.”

“Since there are precedents wherein the U.S. Forces Korea deployed new weapons systems in line with the Korea-U.S. alliance treaty based on bilateral agreements without winning parliamentary approval in the past," Saenuri lawmaker Baek Seung-joo said. "THAAD deployment does not require approval from the National Assembly as well.”

The rival parties held an emergency Q&A session on the THAAD system, but they continued "meaningless questions" and "meaningless answers" again on the second day. “The decision on THAAD deployment cannot be reversed in effect," a Minjoo Party source said. "Since it is national security issue, it is difficult (for our party) to strongly oppose the government’s decision.”