TIL about Unit 684, a South Korean black ops group. Of the 31 initial members, 7 died during their harsh training. The 24 survivors later staged a mutiny, killing their guards and hijacking a bus to Seoul before being stopped by the military. 20 members died in the shootout. The rest were executed.

South Korea’s secret military unit, known as Unit 684, was officially acknowledged after decades of concealment, revealing its formation in 1968, harsh training, and a mutiny in 1971 that resulted in multiple deaths.

According to official reports and historical accounts, Unit 684 was a covert special forces group of the Republic of Korea Air Force, created by the KCIA on orders from President Park Chung Hee. It consisted of 31 civilians, mostly petty criminals or unemployed youths, recruited with promises of monetary reward and employment. The unit’s primary mission was to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Il Sung, as retaliation for the failed Blue House raid by North Korea two months prior.

Members underwent three years of brutal training on Silmido, a small island off Incheon. During this period, seven members died due to execution, fatigue, or escape-related incidents. The unit’s existence remained secret until the 1990s, with public awareness increasing after the 2003 release of the film ‘Silmido’ and subsequent government reports in 2006. The mission was canceled in August 1971 after improved relations between North and South Korea. On August 23, 1971, 24 members of Unit 684 mutinied, killing guards and hijacking a bus to Seoul, where most were killed or committed suicide in a standoff with authorities. The four survivors were later executed in 1972. The South Korean government has since acknowledged the unit, but many details remain classified or disputed.

Why It Matters

This revelation sheds light on South Korea’s covert military operations during the Cold War, highlighting the use of criminal recruits for high-risk missions. The mutiny underscores the psychological and physical toll of secret operations and raises questions about government accountability and transparency. Understanding Unit 684’s history is crucial for comprehending South Korea’s clandestine security measures and their long-term impact on national memory and policy.

Background

Formed in 1968, Unit 684 was part of South Korea’s broader effort to counter North Korean threats during the Cold War. Its creation followed the Blue House raid, a North Korean attempt to assassinate President Park Chung Hee. The unit’s existence was kept secret until the 1990s, with public acknowledgment only emerging through films and official reports. The mutiny in 1971 marked a significant breach of secrecy, revealing the extreme measures taken by South Korea’s intelligence agencies during this period.

“They were the kind who would get into street fights a lot. They revolted because they felt they were never going to get the chance to go to North Korea and leave the island.”

— Yang Dong-su, former guard at Silmido

“Most of the unit’s members were petty criminals, and their revolt stemmed from despair over their prospects.”

— South Korean Defense Minister Chung Rae-hyuk (historical reference)

What Remains Unclear

Many details about Unit 684 remain classified, including the full extent of its missions, the identities of all members, and the precise circumstances of the mutiny. It is unclear whether any assassination attempts were ever carried out or if the unit was involved in other covert operations.

What’s Next

Further declassification of documents and potential interviews with surviving members or officials may shed more light on Unit 684’s operations. Commemorations or official memorials could be established, and ongoing research may reveal additional details about South Korea’s clandestine military history.

Key Questions

Was Unit 684 ever involved in any successful missions?

There is no confirmed evidence that Unit 684 successfully carried out any assassination or covert missions. Its primary known activity was training and planning, with the mission to kill Kim Il Sung canceled before execution.

Why was the existence of Unit 684 kept secret for so long?

The South Korean government classified the unit’s existence to avoid political fallout and to maintain national security during the Cold War, especially given the controversial nature of its formation and operations.

Are any members of Unit 684 still alive?

The fate of most members remains unknown, but the four survivors of the 1971 mutiny were executed in 1972. It is unclear if any other members survived or are still alive today.

What has been the public response to the revelation of Unit 684?

The disclosures have sparked debates over government transparency, accountability, and the ethics of using criminal recruits for covert operations. Some view it as a dark chapter of South Korea’s history that needs acknowledgment and remembrance.