The Special Operation Unit (SOU) of South Korea is an elite counterterrorism force operating under the National Police Agency. As the nation’s top-tier police special forces, the SOU plays a critical role in ensuring public safety, responding to high-risk incidents, and executing counterterrorism operations. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to join this prestigious unit, this guide will break down its history, missions, and the rigorous selection process.
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(Photo source: Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea) |
A Brief History of the SOU
The SOU was established on June 4, 1983, in preparation for major international events like the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The unit was created to effectively handle terrorism-related crimes, including hostage rescues and armed confrontations. Since then, it has evolved into a highly trained force specializing in counterterrorism, high-risk law enforcement, and emergency response.
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What Does the SOU Do?
The SOU is responsible for a wide range of critical operations, including:
- Counterterrorism missions – neutralizing threats within South Korea
- Explosive ordnance disposal – detecting and safely handling explosives
- High-risk law enforcement – responding to mass shootings and hostage situations
- VIP protection – ensuring the security of important government figures
- Disaster response – assisting in rescue operations during natural disasters
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South Korean Special Operations Unit (SOU) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers in action. (Photo source: Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency) |
Eligibility Requirements
Joining the SOU is no easy feat. To even be considered, applicants must meet strict criteria:
- Prior experience – Must have served in a recognized police or military special forces unit for at least 18 months
- Martial arts proficiency – A minimum of a 2nd-degree black belt in a recognized martial art
- Excellent vision – Must have 20/20 vision (excluding corrective surgery)
Physical Fitness Test Standards for Korean Police Special Operations Unit (SOU) (Male - Tactical Officers)
Event Points Highest Score Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Lowest Score Sit-ups(in 1min) 15 65 or more 64 ~ 62 61 ~ 59 58 ~ 56 55 ~ 50 49 or less Pull-ups 20 30 or more 29 ~ 26 25 ~ 22 21 ~ 18 17 ~ 14 13 or less 2km Run 20 Within 7 min 00 sec 7 min 01 sec ~ 7 min 20 sec 7 min 21 sec ~ 7 min 40 sec 7 min 41 sec ~ 8 min 00 sec 8 min 01 sec ~ 8 min 20 sec Over 8 min 20 sec Sandbag Carry 15 Within 18 sec 00 18 sec 01 ~ 19 sec 00 19 sec 01 ~ 20 sec 00 20 sec 01 ~ 21 sec 00 21 sec 01 ~ 22 sec 00 Over 22 sec 00 Shuttle Run 20 35 sec 00 or less 35 sec 01 ~ 36 sec 00 36 sec 01 ~ 37 sec 00 37 sec 01 ~ 38 sec 00 38 sec 01 ~ 39 sec 00 39 sec 01 or more Standing Long Jump 10 280cm or more 279 ~ 275cm 274 ~ 270cm 269 ~ 265cm 264 ~ 260cm 259cm or less
| Event | Points | Highest Score | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-ups(in 1min) | 15 | 65 or more | 64 ~ 62 | 61 ~ 59 | 58 ~ 56 | 55 ~ 50 | 49 or less |
| Pull-ups | 20 | 30 or more | 29 ~ 26 | 25 ~ 22 | 21 ~ 18 | 17 ~ 14 | 13 or less |
| 2km Run | 20 | Within 7 min 00 sec | 7 min 01 sec ~ 7 min 20 sec | 7 min 21 sec ~ 7 min 40 sec | 7 min 41 sec ~ 8 min 00 sec | 8 min 01 sec ~ 8 min 20 sec | Over 8 min 20 sec |
| Sandbag Carry | 15 | Within 18 sec 00 | 18 sec 01 ~ 19 sec 00 | 19 sec 01 ~ 20 sec 00 | 20 sec 01 ~ 21 sec 00 | 21 sec 01 ~ 22 sec 00 | Over 22 sec 00 |
| Shuttle Run | 20 | 35 sec 00 or less | 35 sec 01 ~ 36 sec 00 | 36 sec 01 ~ 37 sec 00 | 37 sec 01 ~ 38 sec 00 | 38 sec 01 ~ 39 sec 00 | 39 sec 01 or more |
| Standing Long Jump | 10 | 280cm or more | 279 ~ 275cm | 274 ~ 270cm | 269 ~ 265cm | 264 ~ 260cm | 259cm or less |
Candidates who fail to meet these physical benchmarks are immediately disqualified. The competition is fierce, with only the most physically and mentally resilient individuals making it through.
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(Photo source: Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency)
Today, we explored the Korean Police Special Operations Unit (SOU). The requirements for applying are extremely high, as only individuals with prior special forces experience are eligible to join. This means that it is not an organization that anyone can easily apply to. However, by attempting their fitness test standards, we can experience firsthand just how elite and exceptional these special forces truly are.
Would you pass the SOU’s physical test? Let me know in the comments below!
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