Seongju residents have protested the decision by Seoul and Washington mainly because they fear potential health risks linked to the system's powerful X-band radar.

"If he finds an opportunity to do so, the minister will deliver a briefing on the selection process of Seongju as the site for the missile defense system," the spokesman said.

On July 8, the two allies announced a decision to install a THAAD battery in South Korea to better defend against growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. 

The North conducted its fourth nuclear test in January followed by a long range missile launch the following month.

Over the past few months, the reclusive country fired off several intermediate-range and sub-launched ballistic missiles in addition to shorter-range rockets. (Yonhap)