Described by the Korean Central News Agency as "well-known among the DPRK people as an incarnation of faith and will"[3] and "a pro-reunification patriotic fighter,"[5] Ri was born in 1917 in Kimhyonggwon County during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

[6] During his incarceration, Ri was offered his freedom in exchange for signing a form renouncing his political beliefs but repeatedly refused.

Ri was released in 1988, but South Korean authorities continued to restrict his activities.

[6] Following his repatriation, Ri was in ill health, apparently due to the conditions he experienced in prison.

[6] After his health improved, his suffering in prison was put into film by North Korea.