The two-time world champion scored an average of 15.691 points after two attempts to edge out Denis Abliazin of Russia, who had 15.516 points.

Kenzo Shirai of Japan took the bronze medal at 15.449 points.

Ri's gold medal came in the absence of the 2012 Olympic vault champion from South Korea, Yang Hak-seon. Yang sat out the Rio Games with an Achilles' tendon injury.

Ri, 31, is the second North Korean man to win an Olympic gold in gymnastics, after Pae Gil-su on the pommel horse at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Ri scored 15.616 points on his first attempt, after executing a vault with a difficult value of 6.4 points. For the second attempt, Ri nailed another 6.4-point vault, this time the one bearing his own name.

During the medal ceremony, Chang Ung, the lone North Korean member in the International Olympic Committee, presented the gold to Ri.

As other North Korean Olympic medalists have done so far, Ri dedicated his victory to the country's leader, Kim Jong-un.

"I am pleased to have delivered this glorious victory to Kim Jong-un, our dear leader, Kim Jong-un, and also to our military and people," Ri told the South Korean press in the mixed zone.

Asked about Yang's absence and losing the opportunity to face him, Ri said, "Hak-seon alone doesn't represent gymnastics."

"He should get good treatments," Ri added, before trailing off.

Ri said he may not be around for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As for the next Asian Games in 2018, Ri said, "I haven't thought about it yet."

According to the interview transcript by the Olympic News Service, Ri said the gold medal is special because it means something to the people.

"It does not mean anything to me. It is a gift that I present to my country," Ri was quoted as saying. "I think it will bring a sense of victory and courage to my country. I had the confidence that I could win. I wanted to win this gold medal for all the love I have received from my country."

North Korea now has two golds, three silvers and two bronzes so far in Rio. (Yonhap)