A delegation of top North Korean officials who made a surprise visit to the South on Saturday were at all times accompanied by a group of buff bodyguards in suits and sunglasses.

It is rare for North Koreans visiting South Korea to be escorted by their own bodyguards.

A source said they are probably members of an elite unit charged with protecting leader Kim Jong-un.

The delegation also arrived in a jet previously reserved for Kim, indication how much trust they carried from their leader.