The unit was formed after the Munich massacre, which forced the South Korean government to create a counter-terrorist unit in time for the 1988 Olympics that would be held on South Korean soil. In 1984, B Squadron of Delta Force traveled to South Korea to conduct training with the 707th.

The unit has about 200 men and women organized in two assault companies, one support company, and one all-female company that could be used as bodyguards or for low-visibility operations, all divided into fourteen-man operating teams, as well as support and demolition teams.

The 707th Group has also been called on by the South Korean government to prioritize potential counter-terrorist operations against any possible threats on South Korean soil.The unit is South Korea's primary counter-terrorist and quick reaction force. The unit's soldiers – once distinguished by their black berets (before the standardization of the black beret for all active soldiers) – are tasked with conducting urban counter-terrorist missions, and constitute the Army's quick-reaction force for emergencies.The unit's nickname is 'White Tiger.'

The unit also has a small number of female special forces operatives. They are used in counter-terrorism operations where the presence of a woman is not seen as a threat to a terrorist.

In February 2019, the former 707th Special Mission Battalion was reorganized and renamed into the 707th Special Mission Group (제707특수임무단) with additional personnel and equipment to ensure higher readiness against various threats. It is now commanded by a Colonel instead of a Lieutenant Colonel.