North Korean state media has slammed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden for criticising leader Kim Jong-un, calling him "bereft of elementary quality as a human being".

Key points: Mr Biden referred to Kim Jong-un as a dictator and tyrant during a campaign rally

Mr Biden referred to Kim Jong-un as a dictator and tyrant during a campaign rally The Korean Central News Agency responded to those criticisms with its own commentary

The Korean Central News Agency responded to those criticisms with its own commentary It echoed comments made by Donald Trump, including that Mr Biden has a "low IQ"

The criticism contrasts with North Korea's repeated references to the good relationship between Mr Kim and US President Donald Trump.

Mr Kim said in April his personal relationship with Mr Trump was still good despite the collapse of their second summit in Vietnam in February.

Taking aim at the President's strategy towards North Korea, Mr Biden asked crowds at a recent campaign rally: "Are we a nation that embraces dictators and tyrants like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong-un?"

State media the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) responded to criticism of the North's leadership in a commentary late on Tuesday.

"What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," it said, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"We will never pardon anyone who dare provoke the supreme leadership of the DPRK but will certainly make them pay for it."

Echoing Mr Trump's description of Mr Biden in March as a "low-IQ individual", the article referred to the former vice president as "an idiot with a low IQ", Newsweek reported.

It went on to list previous controversies concerning Mr Biden, including allegations of plagiarism during law school and falling asleep during a speech by former president Barack Obama in 2011.

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Mr Trump nicknamed the former vice president "Sleepy Joe Biden" upon announcement of his 2020 presidential bid last month.

Mr Biden soared from "will he or won't he run?" status to the head of the crowded Democratic field just days after announcing his candidacy, pulling away from Senator Bernie Sanders and a host of other rivals.

He currently holds a significant lead in opinion polls over the 23 other Democratic contenders, and Mr Trump is treating him like his top threat in 2020.

Reuters/ABC