[citation needed] After graduation, Ri Yong-ho worked as chief of staff of a division, director of the operations department of an army corps, head of a training center, vice-director of the operations department of the general staff, its deputy chief and head of a training center of the KPA.

He became a rising star in 2003 as a result of his appointment as the head of the military unit guarding the capital city and the Kim family.

Afterwards, he appeared jointly with Kim Jong Il on several occasions, and he gave the keynote speech during the military parade in October celebrating the WPK's 65th anniversary.

On 16 July 2012, North Korean state media reported Ri Yong-ho had been relieved of all his Party duties, namely his Presidium Committee membership, Politburo membership, and Party Central Military Commission vice-chairmanship, stating this move was due to unspecified illness.

[6] On 20 July 2012, unconfirmed reports alleged that Ri had died or been injured in a firefight with Political Bureau troops.