Ri, born on June 25, Juche 27 (1938), graduated from Pyongyang University of Mechanical Engineering and got the qualifications for metal processing engineer.

He took the post of a workshop head of the Ranam Coal Mining Machine Plant, instructor, deputy section chief and section chief of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, chief party secretary of the Kangson Steel Complex, chairman of the Nampho City Administrative and Economic Committee, chief party secretary of the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex, chief secretary of a provincial committee of the WPK and chief party secretary of the Sungri Motor Complex.

He has worked as chief secretary of the South Phyongan Provincial Committee of the WPK since 2009.