1. Early life and background
Ri Se-ung was born on 22 December 1998, in Pyongyang, North Korea. He stands at 66 in (168 cm) tall. Details regarding his early life and how he became involved in wrestling are not widely publicized, typical for athletes from his country. However, his early participation and success in youth-level international competitions indicate a strong foundation in the sport from a young age.
2. Wrestling career
Ri Se-ung's wrestling career spans both youth and senior international competitions, marked by consistent performances and medal wins across various prestigious events.
2.1. Youth career
Ri Se-ung made his mark early in his career by competing at the youth level. His most notable achievement in this category came in 2014 when he participated in the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics held in Nanjing, China. There, he competed in the men's 93 lb (42 kg) event and successfully won the gold medal, signaling his potential as a future wrestling talent.
2.2. Senior career
Following his success in youth competitions, Ri Se-ung transitioned to the senior level, where he continued to represent North Korea in major international wrestling events. He primarily competes in the 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman wrestling category.
2.2.1. Asian Championships
Ri Se-ung has been a consistent presence at the Asian Wrestling Championships, securing multiple medals. He earned his first senior international medal at the 2018 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he won a silver medal in the men's 132 lb (60 kg) event. He followed this achievement by winning another silver medal in the same weight class at the 2019 Asian Wrestling Championships in Xi'an, China, reaffirming his status as one of the top wrestlers in Asia.
2.2.2. Asian Games
Ri Se-ung also achieved success at the Asian Games, a multi-sport event bringing together athletes from across Asia. At the 2022 Asian Games, which were held in Hangzhou, China, he competed in the men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman event. He won one of the bronze medals in this competition, securing his podium finish by defeating Aidos Sultangali of Kazakhstan in the bronze medal match.
2.2.3. Military World Games
In 2019, Ri Se-ung represented North Korea at the 2019 Military World Games held in Wuhan, China. These games are an international multi-sport event for military athletes. Ri showcased his dominance by winning the gold medal in the men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman event, further adding to his list of international accolades.
2.2.4. Olympic Games
Ri Se-ung's most significant achievement came on the Olympic stage. He qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, by competing at the 2024 Asian Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he secured a quota place for North Korea. At the Olympics, he competed in the men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman event. He won one of the bronze medals after a challenging competition, defeating Raiber Rodríguez of Venezuela in his bronze medal match. This Olympic medal marked a major milestone in his career and for North Korean wrestling.
3. Major achievements and records
Ri Se-ung has amassed an impressive record of achievements throughout his wrestling career, particularly excelling in the Greco-Roman style.
| Competition | Year | Location | Medal | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 2024 | Paris | Bronze | Men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman |
| Youth Olympic Games | 2014 | Nanjing | Gold | Men's 93 lb (42 kg) Greco-Roman |
| Asian Games | 2022 | Hangzhou | Bronze | Men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman |
| Asian Wrestling Championships | 2018 | Bishkek | Silver | Men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman |
| Asian Wrestling Championships | 2019 | Xi'an | Silver | Men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman |
| Military World Games | 2019 | Wuhan | Gold | Men's 132 lb (60 kg) Greco-Roman |
These achievements highlight his consistent performance at both youth and senior levels, demonstrating his enduring skill and competitive spirit in the sport of wrestling.
4. Legacy and reception
Ri Se-ung's consistent success on the international wrestling stage, particularly his Olympic bronze medal, establishes him as one of North Korea's most decorated athletes in wrestling. His achievements are significant for North Korean sports, showcasing the country's capabilities in the global arena. While specific public or media reception within North Korea is not extensively documented in external sources, his Olympic medal would likely be celebrated as a national triumph, given the emphasis placed on athletic success in the country. Media reports from South Korea following his Olympic win noted his achievement with a hint of regret from Ri's perspective, stating that he "aimed for gold" but had to settle for bronze, suggesting the high expectations placed upon North Korean athletes. His career serves as an example of dedication within the strict athletic training systems of North Korea.