US Snatching THAAD: Seoul Betrayed After Billions Lost to China Sanctions

• US withdraws THAAD missile defense system from South Korea, redeploying it to the Middle East, surprising the world.
• South Korea faced billions in losses and severe Chinese economic sanctions (Lotte, Hyundai, K-pop bans) for deploying THAAD in 2017.
• Pentagon cites escalating Iran tensions for urgent redeployment, also sending Patriot systems to Saudi Arabia and UAE.
• Allies like South Korea and Japan fear East Asia's security is compromised, risking North Korean provocation.
• Seoul newspapers criticize US's 'use and discard' policy, warning of a widening trust deficit with Asian allies.