North Korea’s Kim ‘good dad,’ says Rodman

SEOUL - Agence France-Presse

Former basketball star Dennis Rodman shows pictures he took with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the media, upon arrival at Beijing Airport. AP photo

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has a baby daughter named Ju-Ae, according to former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who labeled the supreme ruler of the isolated, authoritarian state a “good dad.” 
 
Rodman, who calls Kim a friend and just returned from his second visit to Pyongyang, told the Guardian newspaper that he had spent a “relaxing time by the sea” with the leader’s family,” during his latest five-day trip. 

“I held their baby Ju-Ae and spoke with (Kim’s wife) as well. He’s a good dad and has a beautiful family,” Rodman said.

While more of a public personality than his introverted father Kim Jong-il ever was, little is known about Kim’s personal life. Even his age is a matter of dispute, with reports ranging from 29 to 31.

The fact that he was married was only revealed in July last year when pictures emerged of a young woman accompanying the new leader at official events.

A child watch began after state television images in December showed his wife, Ri Sol-Ju, looking heavily pregnant.

There was no official confirmation of the birth, but Rodman had commented after his first surprise visit to Pyongyang six months ago that Ri had spoken often of her baby daughter.

There have been unconfirmed reports that the couple already had one child. Kim is the third-generation leader from the ruling dynasty begun by his grandfather Kim Il-sung and followed by his late father Kim Jong-il.