Upon the objections on the US-funded Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) deployment saying it affects the regional security balance, the new government of the Republic of Korea decided to suspend its deployment until the environmental impact of the system is thoroughly examined. THAAD aims to protect the Republic of Korea from the North's missiles and has been highly criticised at home and by China. 

According to officials, such a comprehensive environmental study could take up to a year to complete. The Government said two systems already installed will stay in place while four recently arrived launchers will wait.