Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn said Monday he would push to complete the deployment of a US missile shield here “as early as possible,” despite political uncertainties at home and escalating retaliation from China. 

At a New Year’s news conference, the prime minister called the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system a “vital means of defense that can no longer be delayed,” citing North Korea’s “clear, existential” threats demonstrated by its two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile launches last year. 

“Stationing THAAD is a self-defensive step that is imperative to protect national security and the people’s lives, one that could not be compared with any other value,” Hwang said. 

“We’re in consultation with the US with the view that (THAAD) needs to be deployed as early as possible for the people’s lives and safety.” 

His reaffirmation of the plan came amid growing calls for a reconsideration, chiefly among major opposition figures and specialists who question the effectiveness of the system relative to its perceived repercussions on South Korea’s relations with China. 

Given Hwang’s transitory leadership, they have urged him not to spur the plan until sufficient debate and a comprehensive review is done in the next administration. 

The acting president defended the equipment’s efficacy as “considerably proven,” adding the deployment decision was a result of discussions and deliberations conducted for a “reasonable period of time.”

With ties with Japan quickly deteriorating over new and envisioned “comfort women” statues, Hwang was adamant that the government cannot handle the issue unilaterally because it concerns the “work of private citizens,” saying additional efforts are needed. 

Mindful of uncertainties with new US President Donald Trump, he pledged to expedite policy coordination and convince his administration of Seoul’s contributions to the alliance and its mutual benefits. 

The unforeseen news conference stoked rampant speculation over the prime minister’s political ambitions, coming in addition to the recent flurry of daily meetings and outreach activities with people from elder statesmen to small business owners to North Korean defectors. 

Hwang has constantly ranked 5th or 6th in a multitude of recent presidential election polls, with his ratings hovering around 4 percent. 

After denying his intention to run for president at a recent parliamentary questioning, Hwang left the possibility open this time, saying now is the time for him to inject all of his “soul and strength” into tackling internal and external difficulties and stabilizing state affairs.  

“The news reports about approval ratings are not in direct connection with me,” the premier said, refraining from clarifying his position on the presidency. 

“I’m not in a situation to think about (the election). My due responsibility is to do my best to normalize state affairs early and prepare for our future.” 

In a latest survey unveiled Monday by Realmeter, he came in sixth with 4.6 percent, topping Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, Rep. Yoo Seong-min of the conservative splinter Bareun Party, and former Democratic Party chair Sohn Hak-kyu. It was carried out on 2,520 South Koreans from Jan. 16-20.

Hwang ranked fifth with 4 percent in the pollster’s previous survey from Jan. 16-18. 

In a separate Gallup Korea poll on Jan. 17-19, 38 percent of the 1,012 respondents gave a positive assessment to the acting president’s performance, and 48 percent viewed his performance negatively. 

The main opposition Democratic Party sought to undercut Hwang’s news conference, saying it had “no substance” and criticizing him for pretending to be an elected president.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)