In August 1949, after entering the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School, he enlisted in the Korean People's Army and served as a military officer.

After graduating, he returned home and was placed in the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 1957.

In December 1977, he was elected to the 6th Supreme People's Assembly and served as the Chairman of the Education Committee of the Politburo.

In July 1980, he toured South Yemen, Rwanda and Burundi, and in August 1980 he visited Libya and Iraq.

In April 1983, he was elected as a member of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly.