Ri and Hong have shown their high competence as referees in more than 150 international football games.

They had also made a signal contribution to the development of the DPRK women football.

Ri played a leading role for the DPRK teams winning the 13th and 14th Asian Women's Football Championships and the women football event of the 14th Asian Games. She obtained the qualification for FIFA referee in 2007.

Hong had been active as a forward and a midfielder of the DPRK team for 10-odd years. She became a FIFA referee in 2002.