Jong, a businessman, turned over a new leaf in his life for national reunification, overcome by the strong patriotic will and loving care of leader Kim Jong Il, who put the nation above anything else and subordinated everything to its interests.

It was in October Juche 88 (1999) that he, together with Jong Ju Yong, honorary chairman of Hyundai Group, came to Pyongyang to be honored with the audience of Kim Jong Il.

Kim Jong Il showed deep care for Jong Mong Hon, who set it as a strategy of his business to cooperate with the DPRK, and took all possible steps for his business activities.

As was busy with state affairs, he again met Jong who came to Pyongyang after the North-South Summit in June 2000, and expressed belief that Jong would make positive contribution to the work for national unity and reconciliation and exchange and cooperation between the north and the south.

He also made time to visit a wharf at Kosong Port and Hotel built in the area of Mt. Kumgang, appreciating Jong's contribution to the implementation of the North-South Joint Declaration.

He posed for photo with Jong, calling him a pioneer of the economic cooperation between the north and the south, including tourism of Mt. Kumgang and construction of Kaesong Industrial Zone (KIZ).

When Jong died suddenly, leader Kim Jong Il expressed deep regret over his death and sent a message of condolences to Jong's wife.

Later, Kim Jong Il sent gifts to Jong's family members and relatives when they visited Pyongyang to attend the opening ceremony of the Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Gymnasium.