He became the 28th winner in this category and only the second from DPR Korea after Choe Kwang Sok in 2006, who also led the U20 to glory in the same competition, making them the first Asian side to win a FIFA women's tournament.

 

Ri, who has accumulated 25 years of coaching experience since a knee injury forced the former Rimyongsu FC player to hang up his boots after seven seasons, held the coaching role at Wolmido FC’s women’s team before taking over the U20 squad in July 2023.

 

Showcasing his capabilities and acumen, the 54-year-old led his side to the coveted AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 title after orchestrating a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in the Final to end a 17-year wait since the East Asian’s 2007 triumph in the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship.

 

His tactical brilliance was on display yet again in Colombia as DPR Korea kicked off their quest for global dominance with a 6-2 demolition of Argentina in the opener, followed by a stunning 9-0 takedown of Costa Rica before a 2-0 victory against 2022 semi-finalists the Netherlands sealed their comfortable passage from the Group Stage.

 

Commendable 1-0 triumphs over powerhouses Brazil and the United States in the Knockout Stage set up a blockbuster finale against Japan in a repeat of the Continental decider in Tashkent six months earlier. Ri’s charges produced a masterful performance to edge their East Asian rivals 1-0, clinching a joint-record third title with their 25 goal-haul the second-highest tally in history.

 

More recently, Ri helmed the senior DPR Korea women’s national team and oversaw their successful AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers campaign, winning all three matches without conceding to seal an 11th appearance and first since 2010.