Career
Ri was a confidant and military aide of the former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. He was appointed to the position by Kim Jong-il in April 2011 and served in that role until removed from power by Kim Jong-un in February 2013. He was replaced by the current Minister of Public Security Choe Pu-il.
In February 2016 Ri appears to have been appointed General Staff Department of the Korean People"s Army replacing Ri Yong-gil.
