THAAD is an acronym for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, the American system for defense against missiles. The system detects enemy missiles through the radar and then destroys them using defense missiles. THAAD was developed to bring down ballistic missiles before they reach their targets. THADD has two modes: end and forward. From the end mode, THAAD is able to detect missiles in the range of 600km to 1,000km and this mode focuses strongly on detecting enemy ballistic missiles. When used in the forward mode, the maximum detectable rage is 2,000km. This mode centers on detecting aircrafts. THADD in Korea will use end mode. On July 13th 2016, the KOREA-US joint working group announced that THAAD would operate out of Seongsanpo, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Seongju-gun was chosen for reason that hugely advantageous for defending. Residents in Seongjugun opposed THAAD deployment, worried about the harmful effects from the electromagnetic waves from the THAAD radar, and others voiced objection with reasons such as 'Interference of USA', 'Deteriorating relationships with marginal states', and 'Instigating a war'. Contrary to these opinions, people who agree with the deployment of THAAD say it will 'Improve the defense system for national security', 'Reinforce the Korea-US alliance', and 'Prevent North Korea attempts'. Foreignly, China denounced the deployment of THAAD in Korea because the radar is able to probe China’s Shandong Peninsula.
