As a midfielder, the girl scored two goals out of 11 goals in the first group league match against Gambia. She also provided a wave of scoring chances through her tactful passes in group league matches and quarterfinals.

Hwang Yong Bong, head coach of the DPRK team, told KCNA:

"Quick in actions, Ri Hyang Sim is good at judgment and pass in goal area. Backed by her, Ri Un Sim rose to be a top scorer with eight goals at the world cup."

Ri Hyang Sim, a native of Pyongyang, started her career as a footballer at the age of 12 at a secondary school's sports group.

She distinguished herself at the 2011 Asian U-16 Women’s Soccer Championship.

Ri Hyang Sim said:

"It is very regretful that the DPRK became the runner-up at the world cup.

I will do my best to make the DPRK win titles in future tournaments."