The North Korean propaganda machine has recently started referring to leader Kim Jong-un as the "dear leader," a title previously bestowed on his father Kim Jong-il.

The state-run Rodong Sinmun daily carried a front-page article in its Friday edition with a photo of a banner hailing "Dear Leader Kim Jong-un," while other examples of such references are also more frequently being spotted.

The Unification Ministry believes the move is part of a wider effort to boost the personality cult surrounding the young leader.

