He proved successful in the 54 kg men's boxing event of the 21st Olympic Games in Juche 65 (1976), thus creating a sensation among the sports experts and fans.

At that time, media of France and the UK reported that Ku Yong Jo, a player of the DPRK, overwhelmed his rival in the final and became the first gold medalist of Asia in the boxing event of the 21st Olympic Games.

With the Olympic Games as an occasion, the international boxing circles estimated him as a typical boxer.

In his career as a sportsman, he bagged 10-odd gold medals at international games including the 4th (1975), 5th (1976) and 9th (1980) international boxing tournaments for golden belt and the 7th (1974) and 8th (1978) Asian games.

He was awarded the title of Merited Athlete in 1975 and the title of People's Athlete in 1976.