Li Dek Su, male, Korean nationality, is a native of Wangqing, Jilin Province. He was born in 1943, joined the CPC in 1965 and graduated from Yanbian University.
Li spent over 15 years in Party leadership positions in Jilin Province. He also served as a magistrate in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. In 1988, he became governor of Jilin Province. He later transferred to Beijing to became vice-minister and, ultimately, minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission.
Li was an alternate member of the 12th CPC Central Committee and a member of 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th CPC Central Committees.