Supreme Guard Command

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The Supreme Guard Command (SGC) is a top security unit of North Korea’s Korean People’s Army Ground Force. It protects the Kim family, senior Workers’ Party officials, and other domestic VIPs, reporting directly to the Supreme Leader. The unit has existed since 1946 and is overseen by Office 80 of the WPK Politburo’s Organization and Guidance Department.

It is also known by several other names, including Unit 963, the Escort Bureau, Guard Command, Bodyguard Command, Guard Bureau, and the General Guard Bureau. The current commander is General Kwak Chang-sik.

Size and structure: the SGC numbers about 95,000–120,000 personnel. It is organized into roughly six departments, three combat brigades, several bodyguard divisions, and one construction battalion. Its headquarters are in Pyongyang, with camps located across the country to protect key residences and officials.

Roles and activities: the unit provides bodyguard protection, air assault support, crowd control, and general force protection. It also handles covert operations, counterintelligence, hostage rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and other special operations. The SGC coordinates with other military units, including the Pyongyang Defense Command and the III Corps, to defend the capital and strategic sites. It has also protected Kim Jong Un during high-profile visits, such as the 2018 Panmunjom event.

History and leadership: after its creation in 1946, the SGC was part of the State Security Department for several decades. To counter coup attempts, Kim Jong Il restructured the force, expanding his private bodyguard unit (the “2.16 Unit”). The SGC is currently associated with Unit 974, the unit responsible for protecting Kim Jong Un.

Recruitment and training: recruits are drawn from high schools, often choosing those with strong party loyalty and favorable songbun (political reliability). Only one family member may serve, and contact with family is restricted for many years. Training lasts about two years, including six months in camps, with preparation in Taekwondo, marksmanship, long marches, and special operations. According to defectors, the SGC has produced numerous honored workers and has published extensive security training materials.