Orphaned young, he endured a difficult childhood. He went to China with his brother, completed primary school and repaired sacks at a flour mill in Harbin. After liberation, he returned home and did odd jobs at a sign shop and a furniture factory before entering Hongik University's art department.

During the Korean War, he moved north, where he worked as an artist and produced many thematic paintings.

In later years he concentrated on boneless flower-and-bird painting, becoming known for his contribution to that tradition in North Korea.