With ardent love for the country and the nation, he showed deep loving care for the Koreans all his life.

When a devastating flood hit south Korea in August Juche 73 (1984), he took measures to send relief materials to the afflicted people, the first of its kind in the history of national division, saying genuine patriotism lies in caring for fellow countrymen.

Even after the death of President Kim Il Sung, educational aid funds and stipends went to the Japan-resident Koreans every year. And large amounts of relief funds were sent to the quake-stricken Koreans on several occasions.

It was the faith of Kim Jong Il, an incarnation of patriotism, that one should hold hands with patriotic-minded people for the sake of national reunification, irrespective of differing ideology.

Among them were Choe Hong Hui, former president of the International Taekwon-Do Federation and Jong Ju Yong, a south Korean businessman.

He saw to it that Taekwon-Do Hall, Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Gymnasium and Yun I Sang Concert Hall were built in Pyongyang.

With the publication of the June 15 Joint Declaration and the October 4 Declaration, he glorified the June 15 era of reunification. With the advancement of the principle of "By our nation itself", he paved the way for achieving the independent and peaceful reunification and shaping the nation's destiny. These feats will remain long in the history of the nation.