DHAKA: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has a baby daughter, seemingly guaranteeing the future of a dynasty which has ruled the isolated and impoverished state for three generations, according to US basketball star Dennis Rodman who met Kim last week.

Kim’s wife Ri Sol had appeared to be pregnant in pictures issued last year by North Korea’s state news agency, although no confirmation was available.

She then disappeared from public view, returning last October.

Rodman, who has visited North Korea twice this year and describes Kim as his ‘friend’, told Britain’s Guardian newspaper that he had held the baby.

‘I held their baby Ju Ae and spoke with Ms Ri (Sol Ju, Kim’s wife) as well. He’s a good dad and has a beautiful family,’ Rodman was quoted as saying by the newspaper, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1406 HRS, SEPT 09, 2013
RoR/BSK