The new baby daughter of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has been introduced to the world in one of the more unlikely ways possible – by US basketball legend Dennis Rodman. The NBA star almost casually told reporters on his return from Asia that he had “held baby Ju-ae”, apparently unaware that the communist state had never even given confirmation of a birth.
It was Mr Rodman’s second visit to the country this year, in a brief trip to catch up with the feared leader who he describes as his “friend for life”.
He has previously stated his desire to bring about “basketball diplomacy”, and wants to organise an international exhibition match between North Korea and the US.
Speaking to the Guardian on Sunday, Mr Rodman said: “The Marshal Kim and I had a relaxing time by the sea with his family. We shared many meals and drinks where we discussed our plans to play a historic friendship basketball game.“
He then added: “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.”
This is more or less the first word the world has had of the little girl’s existence, which goes some way to guaranteeing the future of a dynasty that has run North Korea for three generations.
Ms Ri had appeared in pictures last year where she seemed to be pregnant, but no official confirmation was provided by the state and the dictator’s wife later disappeared from public view altogether, only to return as if nothing had happened last October.
Mr Rodman has previously described Mr Kim as “a great guy”, and told anyone who disagreed based on his government’s human rights record: “I don’t care what you guys think about him.”
And while the leader asked Mr Rodman to “say some very positive things about this country” on his return to the US, the Hall of Famer and five-time championship winner has so far only continued to fuel speculation about the man himself.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 04702.html
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