Thae Byong-ryol served as a member of the central Committee from October 14, 1980 until his death.

He has at least one son named Thae Hyong-chol, who is the president of Kim Il Sung University.

In 1936, 20-year-old Thae Byong-ryol participated in the anti-Japanese activities led by Kim Il Sung.

[1] In March 1970, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Republic and Order of the National Flag[citation needed].

He was elected as a member of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea in 1980 and served there until his death.