Ri emerged skillful conductor under the care of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il. He conducted a lot of works including a revolutionary opera "The Flower Girl", music and dance tale "Song of Paradise", grand gymnastic and artistic performance "Arirang" and "Ever-victorious Workers' Party of Korea".

Kim has worked at the Phibada Opera Troupe for dozens of years. He contributed to the creation of operas and development of the Juche-oriented arts by creating stage decor for works including revolutionary operas "The Sea of Blood", "Tell O Forest" and "Song of Mt. Kumgang" in peculiar formative arts.

Son also created many children's films popular among school youth and children and other Koreans including children's film "The Hedgehog Beats the Tiger" adapted from the tale told Kim Jong Il and serials of "The Boy General".

The President and Kim Jong Il invited them to attend major meetings and conferences, awarded high state commendations to them and repeatedly showed loving care for them.