Condemn the crime of the USFK for damaging anti-THAAD banners in Soseong-ri

This is a clear act of property damage and an insult to the legitimate expression of the will of citizens of the ROK

We demand the USFK restore the damaged banners, apologize, and the police investigate and punish those responsible

Recently, approximately 30 banners opposing the THAAD deployment, which had been hung by solidarity groups and citizens in Soseong-ri, where the THAAD base is located, were damaged by the U.S Forces Korea(USFK). According to CCTV cameras and police investigations, it was confirmed that the USFK soldiers tore down and stole the banners on two separate occasions. The banners contained messages opposing the deployment of THAAD, protesting against the U.S. military base, and calling for peace, such as “NO THAAD! YES PEACE!”. We strongly condemn the USFK soldiers who deliberately damaged the banners by coming down to the village outside the military base. This is a clear criminal act of property damage and an act that insults the legitimate expression of the will of citizens of the ROK.  

For eight years since the THAAD base was established, the elderly residents of this small village have endured suffering. The THAAD deployment was carried out unilaterally without democratic procedures. Protesting by posting banners against THAAD, which violates residents’ human rights, escalates military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, and threatens peace, is a legitimate right of South Korean citizens. In 2017, when THAAD equipment was brought into the village, the USFK soldiers mocked the residents and citizens who had come for solidarity against THAAD. They laughed and filmed them as they passed by. This incident caused a major controversy, leading the commander of the 8th U.S. Forces to apologize officially at a press conference. Now, with the planned destruction of banners, is this the attitude of an “ally” toward its citizens?

The USFK must restore the damaged banners, and the commander must take responsibility and apologize. The police must investigate swiftly and punish the criminal acts. We will hold them accountable for this act. 

May 9th, 2025
Network For Peace Against THAAD Deployment

📍Joint Statement [See/Download]
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