Born into a farm servant family in the period of the Japanese imperialists' colonial rule, Ri experienced the suffering as a member of the ruined nation, being subject to maltreatment and contempt.

It was not until President Kim Il Sung liberated the country that she could lead a worthy life. During the Fatherland Liberation War she took an active part in assisting to soldiers in the front. She had devoted herself to agricultural production even after becoming a pensioner.

She likes potato foods, in particular, and has balanced diet. Even now she leads an optimistic life with needlework and gardening.