President Moon Jae-in says the temporary deployment of the THAAD missile defense system is the best possible measure South Korea can take right now.

In a statement released to journalists at the presidential office on Friday night, Moon said the security situation on the Korean Peninsula is more serious than ever before.

He said North Korea continues to launch ballistic missiles and it even conducted a sixth nuclear test in defiance of warnings from South Korea and the international community.

Moon said in order to prevent war on the peninsula and protect South Korean lives the government decided it could no longer delay temporary deployment of THAAD.

The president said as the North continues to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities, South Korea has no choice but to maximize its defenses. Moon asked for the public's understanding.

He also expressed regret over clashes between police and local residents that took place while the U.S. antimissile shield was being installed.

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