In the DPRK, the title of guards was instituted on July 19, Juche 39 (1950) when the war was at its height. It was the highest commendation and honor conferred on heroic soldiers by President Kim Il Sung, an invincible and iron-willed commander.

This title was first awarded to the Seoul 105th Tank Division, Seoul 3rd and 4th infantry divisions and the 18th Infantry Regiment which made heroic feats in combats to liberate Seoul and Taejon, the Osan Battle, etc. Those units took the lead in liberating almost areas of the southern half of Korea in a short period on the counterattack orders of the President, thus fully displaying the might of the heroic KPA.

Following them, many other units won the title of guards. Among them were the 2nd Torpedo Flotilla which torpedoed heavy and light cruisers of the enemy with only 4 torpedo boats, the 56th Pursuit Plane Group which shot down tens of enemy planes including 11 B-29 strategic bombers in a month after the start of the war and the 10th Infantry Regiment which produced 16 brave fighters, who frustrated 17 rounds of enemy's attack in Phohang.

Thanks to the energetic guidance of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un who regards the distinguished military service of the guards units more precious and gives prominence to the spirit of the defending the country displayed by the guardsmen, the "Song of Pride of Guards Units" was created in 2014 to be widely sung by the people.

And in February next year, the Guards Units Hall was newly arranged at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, on the initiative of the Supreme Leader, to convey the proud feats of the guards units forever.