He was a theatrical actor greatly popular among the Korean people.

Born on January 11, 1912, he was unhappy as an actor under the colonial rule of the Japanese imperialists. He could start genuine artistic activities under deep care of the President after the country's liberation.

He lost one arm by a bomb splinter during a performance before people in a liberated area of south Korea in the period of the Fatherland Liberation War (1950-53).

The President took measures to take him to a hospital. He received treatment at a hospital in the rear in the period of the temporary strategic retreat and in a foreign country later.

He starred in or directed some movies and dramas. He also enjoyed popularity for reciting poems well.

He trained many talented actors and actresses and wrote papers, criticisms, notes and essays.

He was honored with the title of People's Artiste and National Reunification Prize.

He wrote a good puppet show script to be highly appreciated in an international festival.

He was a deputy to the Supreme People's Assembly and worked as chief of the National Theatre and vice-minister of Education and Culture.

He died in June 1961 and his remains were buried at the Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in the suburbs of Pyongyang.

Leader Kim Jong Il recalled him many times as a talented actor.