Jong Ju Yong had deeply respected General Secretary Kim Jong Il as the sun of the nation and the central figure for the country's reunification and great national unity till the last moments of his life since he met the leader.

When Jong met Kim Jong Il whom he had so ardently longed to see during his visit to Pyongyang late in October 1998, he said in an excited tone "Kim Jong Il is the greatest general, indeed."

General Kim Jong Il is intrepid, open-hearted and broad-minded, he told his friends, adding that after meeting him he felt as if the country had already become one.

Jong went on to say:

Leader Kim Jong Il is a distinguished great man as I was told. He warmly shook my hands, reposing trust in me who has been engaged only in business in this divided land. He is the kind-hearted and broad-minded hero who will lead my country and my nation to harmony and reunification.

I made up my mind to devote my remaining years to the sacred cause of reunification, confident that he is the only leader whom I should trust and follow.

Jong was completely attracted by the personality of Kim Jong Il as a great man. He was interviewed by a reporter of the south side as regards his impressions of Pyongyang visit. When questioned why he addressed Kim Jong Il General, Jong asked the reporter if there was anything wrong when he called Kim Jong Il General as the whole world is doing so, exciting all those present.

South Koreans still remember with deep emotion Jong Ju Yong who so deeply respected Kim Jong Il.