He began wrestling when studying at the third grade of a secondary school.

He took the first gold medal at the Asian Junior Wrestling Championship in Juche 66 (1977).

Later, he was active at the then Pyongyang Municipal Sports Team, holding the limelight on the mat.

He proved successful at several international championships.

At the 22nd World Free-style Wrestling Championship held in September 1983, he defeated the candidate champion from the former Soviet Union in the 48 kg category, bringing home a trophy, gold medal and two champion belts.

It was the first time for the DPRK to have the wrestling champion.

At the 23rd World Free-style Wrestling Championship, he overpowered a U.S. rival in the semi-finals of the 48 kg category and an Iranian challenger in the finals.

He won 14 gold medals at international championships in less than five years from the year 1981.

He was awarded the title of Labor Hero as well as the title of People's Athlete.