Former US basketball player Dennis Rodman shows pictures of him reportedly with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to media as he arrives at Beijing International Airport on September 7, 2013. Rodman returned to China from Pyongyang on September 7 after a five-day trip when he met Kim Jong-Un, but without jailed American Kenneth Bae. AFP
SEOUL— North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has a baby daughter named Ju-Ae, according to former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who labelled 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.
In such a conservative, hierarchical society as North Korea, observers say there is almost no chance of the leadership succession being passed to a daughter.
Rodman was scheduled to address a news conference later Monday in New York.
The flamboyant, former Chicago Bulls’ player told the Guardian that he and Kim had discussed plans to play “a historic friendship basketball game” between North Korea and the United States.