[7] North Korean special operations forces existed by late-1968 when maritime commandos made the unsuccessful Uljin–Samcheok Landings against South Korea.

"[9] A new special forces unit wearing modern combat gear, including night-vision goggles and plate carriers, appeared in the Day of the Sun military parade on 15 April 2017.

[14] The missions of the KPA Special Operations Forces are to breach the fixed defense of South Korea, to create a "second front" in the enemy's rear area, and to conduct battlefield and strategic reconnaissance.

[9] Further, the added capability of a small ship with "stealthy" characteristics enables the commandos the ability to ferry to the South Korean coastline.

Specially outfitted Sang-O class submarines carry a small crew of nineteen and serve the sole purpose of coastal infiltration.

Finally, the KPA Navy possesses at least forty-five midget submarines ideally suited to infiltrate two to five man teams into South Korean territory.