Born in Sakju County, North Phyongan Province, she began to learn playing table-tennis in her early days.

When she was twelve, she placed first in a national secondary school table tennis contest. Three years later, she presented herself at international games, rising into prominence.

In Juche 64 (1975) Pak won a gold medal at the 33rd World Table Tennis Championship, being awarded crown and belt, symbolic of the world table-tennis queen. At that time, media of India appraised her patient and fearless character in games and her high table-tennis technique.

President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il met and had a photo session with her, saying that she is a sports hero who glorified the honor of the country.

Pak took the title again at the 34th World Table Tennis Championship in 1977 to become a twice world champion.

As Labor Hero and People's Athlete of the DPRK, she had bagged 37 medals, including 15 golds, at various international tournaments during her life.

Her remains are kept at the Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery.