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 in 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 as well. He’s a good dad and has a beautiful family,” Rodman was quoted as saying by the newspaper.