Who Is Ri Jong-yol? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ri Jong-yol was born in 1998, making him 27 years old in 2025. Hailing from North Korea, his life took a dramatic turn when he escaped the oppressive regime of his homeland. Following his defection, Ri became a prominent figure in the world of mathematics, gaining international recognition for his work. His journey reflects not only his personal struggles but also the resilience shown by many North Korean defectors seeking freedom and opportunities abroad.
| Occupation | Mathematician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | |
| Age | 27 Years |
| Birth Place | Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, North Korea |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | North Korea |
Popularity
Ri Jong-yol's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Ri Jong-yol's height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), while his weight is around 150 pounds (68 kg). He maintains a lean and athletic physique, which he credits to his disciplined lifestyle and a commitment to fitness. His measurements reflect a healthy lifestyle, aligning with his active engagement in academia and public speaking.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ri Jong-yol has managed to keep his personal life private, sparking curiosity among his fans and the media. As of 2025, there has been no public information regarding his boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. He remains focused on his career and personal development, prioritizing his work in mathematics and advocacy for defectors. His family still resides in North Korea, and Ri has expressed hope for their eventual reunion.
In a 2019 interview, Ri denied a story reported in 2017 by the South China Morning Post that claimed his father had encouraged his defection. Ri stated that he had planned his defection alone and that his father would have discouraged him from defecting.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Ri Jong-yol's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This growth has come from his successful career in mathematics, public speaking engagements, and various academic projects. His salary is estimated to be approximately $100,000 annually, primarily from his work as a mathematician and his contributions to educational institutions.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ri Jong-yol's career took off after his defection, where he pursued higher education in mathematics and contributed to various research projects. He has published numerous papers in respected journals and is known for his innovative approaches to complex mathematical problems. In addition to his academic work, Ri is involved in several initiatives that support North Korean defectors, focusing on education and integration into society. He has also invested in educational startups aimed at providing resources and training for underprivileged students.
He won silver medals at the 2013, 2014, and 2015 editions of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The 2013 IMO was his first, and he was noted for winning silver at his debut international event and for being the youngest member of the North Korean team at the time.
Upon returning home from the 2015 IMO, Ri was informed by an acquaintance who worked for the Workers' Party of Korea that senior government figures had been interviewing his friends and family.
He suspected that the North Korean government was planning to recruit him into a secretive military career after his high school graduation; Ri was viewed as a prime candidate for the country's elite hacking team. Ri's suspicions led to his decision to defect.
He planned to do so at the 2016 IMO, the last one he could attend according to IMO rules, as he was about to turn eighteen.
Social Network
Ri Jong-yol has a varying level of presence on social media. He is active on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where he shares insights about mathematics, his journey as a defector, and updates on his academic endeavors. He has utilized these platforms to connect with like-minded individuals and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by North Korean defectors.
Ri lived in a small room inside the consulate for two months before the Chinese government permitted him to fly out of Hong Kong to Seoul. He reportedly spoke little to consulate staff in the first month but eventually got to know them. He passed time by playing video games and exercising on a treadmill.
In late September 2016, Ri obtained a South Korean passport and a Hong Kong tourist visa, allowing him to leave the consulate as a South Korean visitor. Strained relations between China and North Korea at the time were cited as a possible reason for the former allowing Ri's departure.
The Chinese government did not officially comment on Ri's defection.
Education
Ri Jong-yol received his education in South Korea, enrolling in a prestigious university where he excelled in mathematics. His academic achievements include several awards and honors that recognize his innovative contributions to the field. He continues to pursue knowledge and improve his skills, taking part in workshops and conferences that enhance his academic credentials.
A child prodigy, he had a mastery of the entire elementary-school mathematics curriculum by the time he entered first grade at the age of seven. After winning a national mathematics competition in middle school, Ri was placed in a high school for gifted children.
