Born into a fire-field farmer's family in Kim Hyong Gwon County, Ryanggang Province on August 24, Juche 6 (1917), Ri embarked on the road of anti-Japanese struggle when Korea was under Japan's colonial rule.

After the country's liberation, he worked as a local party official.

During the 1950-1953 Fatherland Liberation War, he was active as a war correspondent.

He was arrested by the enemy while fighting as a guerilla in the area of Mt. Jiri, before serving 34-year-long prison term.

Though he was put behind the bars for a long time, he did not abandon his faith and will, in order to honor the dignity as a member of the Workers' Party of Korea.

In 1993, he was repatriated to the DPRK. At that time, he suffered from heavy illness, including heart disease, lung abscess, dyspnoea and verbal disorder, due to long-term prison life.

Thanks to the loving care of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il, he recovered his health and engaged himself in literary work to praise the greatness of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

All of his works are enjoying a wide appeal to the people in the DPRK as masterpieces.

He was awarded the title of DPRK Hero twice, the Order of Kim Il Sung and the National Reunification Prize for the feats he performed for the Party and the leader, the country and the people till the last moment of his life.

The government erected Ri's bust in Thongil Street, Pyongyang and a documentary "Incarnation of Faith and Will" was produced.