Born in a poor peasant's family in Kangso County (at that time), South Phyongan Province in April, 1932, he graduated from Kim Il Sung University and began his career as a writer under the care of President Kim Il Sung after the liberation of the country.

He took part in creating art works including revolutionary operas such as "Song of Mt. Kumgang" and "Under Warm Sunshine" and music and dance tale "Song of Paradise" in the course of growing up as a talented writer under the warm care of leader Kim Jong Il.

He created a lot of words of songs including "Let Us Hold High the Red Flag" and "Song of Ten-point Political Programme," contributing to developing the DPRK's poetic literature and educating the people in a revolutionary manner.

He was awarded high state commendations including a watch bearing the august name of Kim Il Sung and Kim Il Sung Prize.