Ri was born into a poor peasant's family in Anak County in South Hwanghae Province before Korea's liberation and lived in sorrow as a member of the stateless nation, being subject to all sorts of humiliation and contempt by the exploiting classes.

She could live a genuine life only after President Kim Il Sung liberated the country.

She always keeps herself optimistic. She particularly likes sweet potato and vegetable and has balanced diet.