State Auditor Accuses Moon Government of Intelligence Leaks
Auditor's Report Alleges Sensitive Data Compromise
South Korea's state auditor has released a bombshell report accusing the Moon Jae-in government of leaking classified intelligence related to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system to activists and possibly China.
Alleged Recipients and Motives
The report alleges that the government shared sensitive information on the deployment and capabilities of the THAAD system with anti-THAAD activists in South Korea. The report also suggests that some of the leaked data may have been passed on to Chinese intelligence.
The auditor's report does not provide specific evidence or names of those involved in the leaks. However, it states that the government's actions compromised national security and violated the law.
Government Response
The Moon government has strongly denied the allegations, calling the report "politically motivated" and "baseless." Defense Minister Suh Wook has stated that the government "has never leaked any sensitive information about the THAAD system."
Political Implications
The auditor's report has sparked a political firestorm in South Korea. The opposition has seized on the allegations to attack the Moon government's handling of national security. The ruling Democratic Party has accused the opposition of "manufacturing a scandal" to undermine the government.
THAAD Controversy
The deployment of the THAAD system in South Korea has been a controversial issue since it was first proposed in 2016. China has strongly opposed the deployment, arguing that it undermines its strategic interests.
The Moon government initially delayed the deployment of THAAD but eventually approved it in 2017. The government has maintained that THAAD is necessary to defend against North Korea's missile threats.
Conclusion
The auditor's report has cast a shadow over the Moon government's handling of national security. The allegations of intelligence leaks are serious and, if true, could have serious consequences for South Korea's relations with the United States and China.
