Special Forces Brigades of the Republic of Korea Army

[3] They were reportedly deployed to the streets of Seoul in December 2024 amidst the declaration of martial law.

[5] Volunteers for these brigades undergo training in high skilled weapon handling and parachuting as well as the regular physical and psychological tests.

All weapons and equipment used by the ROK special forces are South Korean, British, U.S., German, and others products.

[6] Although ROK Special Forces Brigades consist purely of volunteer soldiers,[7] they have to reach certain requirements such as achieving a black belt in Taekwondo or any similar martial art.

[8] Battalions of ROK Special Forces Brigades are frequently used for destruction of tactical targets.

[9] Normal uniform is a camouflage combat suit and ROK Special Forces distinguish icon are their black berets with the SF badge in silver.

The former commander of the 1st Special Forces Brigade, Chun Doo Hwan, served as President of Korea from 1980 to 1988.

One former 9th special Forces Brigade Commander, Roh Tae-woo, served as President of the Republic of Korea from 1987 to 1992.

It was formerly known as "The Decapitation Unit" (참수부대), as unlike the other Korean Special Forces Brigades in addition to conducting unconventional warfare in enemy territory, it is tasked with neutralizing well-protected, high-priority targets such as political and military leaders and facilities.

[28] The hostage-taking situation of the 1972 Summer Olympics was key for the development of such unit in which Palestinian guerrillas belonging to the Black September organization took eleven Israeli athletes as hostages.