South Korean Policy with regard to Americans and North Korea

I read today that after the scandal in South Korea, they elected a "Liberal" to lead them. I don't know anything about him except that he has announced America will not be allowed to install more THAAD missile defense systems in South Korea until an environmental report is done.

On the face this seems insane. Wouldn't the environmental impact of a North Korean missile be worse than a THAAD system?

They don't want China angry and China seems to be worried that our THAAD systems (with radar) can 'spy' on Chinese military forces. I don't know if this is technically true, but it really doesn't matter when the existence of the South Koreans, the Japanese, and even Americans is at issue. America has the right to defend itself.

But, if South Korea isn't appeased they may tell us to leave altogether. That would change the picture of that area in a major way. On the one hand we would no longer have to expend effort to defend South Korea and the North may bomb them at will. Good luck with that! On the other hand, we would have much more difficulty without military forces near North Korea. Basing our defence from an ocean-based platform could not be better than having a land-based defence.

Is it possible Putin has been involved in Korean politics and had a hand in the big turn of events there? It is possible I suppose, but it doesn't seem likely. I think Putin has had most of his attention on America and Europe.

So, in the end, what does this mean for events in that region? It might not have much effect. But, if they ask us to leave altogether or to remove the THAAD systems (there are two already installed) it would have a big impact. It's their nation and if they don't want more of our help they have the right to order that. It's a free world, right?

This doesn't mean we will leave the region since our own national defence is involved.