Those tactics sound like conventional military unit operations. Keep in mind that when one reads about other countries’ “special forces” units, it doesn’t necessarily equate to US Special Forces (unconventional warfare specialists - Green Berets). It’s somewhat akin to US Special Operations which also includes various units with predominantly direct action missions (Army Rangers, Delta Force, Navy Seals...etc.). US Spec Ops units are generally Tier One organizations.

Other countries use of the term “special” is more closely related to the Russian “Spetsnaz”, short for “Voiska Spetsialnogo Naznacheniya”, which means “troops of special purpose.” While they can be elite fighting units, they can also be average conventional military units dedicated to serving a specific purpose like foreign assistance engagements.

It wouldn’t make sense for North Korea to be throwing away its elite fighting forces warring against Ukraine for Russia.