In the following year, ADD launched a project derived from the XB rifle, which started in 1972 to replace licensed M16A1s with indigenous weapons.

Under the demands of the ROK-SWC, the new submachine gun must acquire greater firepower, light weight, cost effectiveness, and easy access to spare parts.

Various RIS systems developed by D.I (Dong In) Optical and MITS have been issued in small quantities, primarily to SWC units.

Most of the time, K1 submachine gun is regarded as a shortened or carbine version of Daewoo Precision Industries K2 assault rifle.

The S&T Motiv K2C, an upgraded carbine version of the K2 rifle, was provided to the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command for trial.

[9] In October 2023, SNT Motiv (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) announced that the STC16 had been selected for the Special Operations Submachinegun Type II program to deliver 1,710 carbines to partially replace the K1A, and been designated the K13.