As a son of a Chinese millionaire, Zhang assisted President Kim Il Sung in his revolutionary activities with all sincerity during the anti-Japanese armed struggle, admired by his personality and sense of justice. When he was paroled under the Japanese police's surveillance, he killed himself to safeguard the security of the headquarters of the Korean revolution.

Leader Kim Jong Il in his lifetime cared so much for Zhang's descendants to hand down through generations the comradeship forged between the President and Zhang.

Whenever Zhang's family members visited Pyongyang, he personally looked into their itinerary, even paying attention to their lodging and boarding.

Kim Jong Il saw to it that Zhang's grandson Zhang Yao and granddaughter Yue Zhi-yun studied at a university in Pyongyang as they wished. During their study in Korea the leader had taken warm care of their life as their parents would do. He made it sure that private Korean lessons were given to them while offering them bicycles, a car and musical instruments to lead a happy life. He also took measures to provide medical service to them and arranged birthday spreads.

In July Juche 83 (1994) when President Kim Il Sung passed away, he recognized Zhang's family members among many mourners, saying he would surely meet them later. A few days later, he sent an official to them to convey his remarks that he would take care of them as the President did.

In October 2007, he sent a wreath to Zhang's grave on his 70th death anniversary.