State auditor accuses Moon gov't of leaking THAAD-related intelligence to activists, China

A state auditor accused the Moon Jae-in administration of leaking sensitive intelligence about the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to activists and China

The Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea (BAI) said the presidential office and defense ministry mishandled classified information about the THAAD deployment, which could have compromised national security.

The report alleges that the Moon government shared confidential documents with civic groups and foreign entities without following proper procedures. The documents included details about the THAAD system's capabilities, deployment plans, and potential impact on South Korea's defense posture.

The BAI's findings have sparked outrage among opposition lawmakers, who accused the Moon government of jeopardizing national security for political gain. The government has denied the allegations, calling them "groundless."

The THAAD system was deployed in South Korea in 2017 to counter the threat of North Korean missiles. The deployment has been controversial, with China and Russia expressing concerns that it could destabilize the region.

The BAI's report is likely to further strain relations between South Korea and China, which are already at a low point due to a number of issues, including the THAAD deployment and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BAI's findings are a serious blow to the Moon government, which has been plagued by scandals and controversies. The allegations of intelligence leaks could further damage the government's credibility and legitimacy.

The BAI's report is expected to be a major issue in the upcoming presidential election, which is scheduled for March 2022.