• Korean Security Journal
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• no.15
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• pp.73-87
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• 2008

The purpose of this study is to investigate the historical progress about Teukgongmusul as bodyguard martial arts focused on security service history through the meaning of its development and expansion. This study used secret materials from presidential security service, military service headquarters and special merit unit in Korea, and also used interview materials by oral history. For the above tasks, the conclusions of this study are as follows: Firstly, consideration about the background and circumstances of Teukgongmusul when it was developed in 1970s. No.606 special merit unit's soldiers who worked in presidential security service in Korea organized Teukgongmusul. Secondly, consideration about the meanings of Teukgongmusul presented through its development and expansion process. Teukgongmusul was bodyguards' martial arts which was based on Army's martial arts in 1970s. For this reason, Teukgongmusul now has the perception as Bodyguard Martial Arts. Thirdly, consideration about the expansion process of Teukgongmusul when it was adopted in Army and presidential security service in Korea. In 1970s special merit unit was included in presidential security service in Korea where Teukgongmusul was developed. Afterward Teukgongmusul was expanded in two different ways which were Army and presidential security service in Korea. In Army Teukgongmusul was expanded by no.5 special merit brigade and was expanded by Hapkido master who was worked as martial arts instructor for presidential security service in Korea. Fourthly, the historical progress of Teukgongmusul as bodyguard martial art was influenced by the political situation.