Kim Yong Gyu was subject to all sorts of national contempt and maltreatment over the grief of statelessness. He could enjoy a worthy life under the care of President Kim Il Sung.

He was arrested by the enemies while bravely struggling against them during the Fatherland Liberation War. He had remained true to his revolutionary faith and the sense of moral obligation behind bars for decades.

Leader Kim Jong Il put forward him as indomitable pro-reunification patriot, DPRK hero and National Reunification Prize winner and sent a birthday spread to him on his 80th birthday.

Kim Jong Un invited him to attend as a delegate the celebrations of the centenary of birth of Kim Il Sung and the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.