SEOUL - Democratic People's Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un has a baby daughter, 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 DPRK's state news agency, although no confirmation was available. She then disappeared from public view, returning last October.

Rodman, who has visited DPRK 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.