Since the VI Corps is a rear area corps responsible for border and coastal security, it has only a small number of subordinate units. As such, it is undermanned and outfitted with older equipment. P'yongyang Province Reports suggest the coup forces, possibly led by the 24th Infantry Division commander, first planned to secure a local university, communications centers and probably port facilities within Ch'ongjin itself, then announce their rebellion to the Korean people and the world. It was probably hoped that at this point members of the neighboring VII Corps in Hamhung could be persuaded to join the coup. Together, the two corps would present a significant force that could possibly convince other officers, possibly within the Ministry of People's Armed Forces in the capital of P'yongyang, to join the coup.
Reports suggest a possible advance upon Pyongyang was envisioned.
This, however, could only have occurred with strong support from additional KPA units. The coup was exposed before it could implement its plans. In response, units of the Ministry of People's Armed Forces, probably with assistance from Ministry for State Security personnel, conducted a number of raids and arrested those involved. As a result, the corps was reorganized and a number of generals and field grade officers were executed, imprisoned, discharged or reduced in rank. Although no other units were known to have participated in the coup planning, a large-scale personnel reorganization also occurred within the neighboring VII Corps during June of last year.