North Korea says a literary child prodigy is born

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- North Korean state media is reporting that a 7-year-old literary prodigy has composed 300 poems of artistic merit, and says even leader Kim Jong Un is a fan of her work.

Pyongyang's media outlet DPRK Today said on Monday that North Korean second-grader Ahn Mi Ryong of Pyoksong Elementary School is proof of the North Korean leader's love of the arts, music and physical education, Yonhap reported.

According to North Korea, Ahn began composing poems when she was four, and has produced more than 300 poems. Kim has read her poetry, and Pyongyang has declared her a genius, according to reports.

Footage of Ahn showed her composing poetry before the camera.

Ahn's teacher Baek Kum Ok praised her star pupil, and said the girl could construct impromptu verses of poetry, whether she was "in the classroom or on a nature walk." All her verses are original, Baek said.

South Korea's TV Chosun reported that Ahn's mother Kim Myong Hwa said her daughter owes her talents to her teachers, and to Kim Jong Un.

"Our country says we are all like a large family, and Marshal Kim Jong Un is our father," Kim said.

Ahn's mother attributed the improvements to the school system to Kim Jong Un's "socialist reforms," but South Korea press reported the improvements to the public system might be restricted to schools for North Korea's favored elite.

Kim Jong Un has been keen to develop gifted children at the earliest stages. In 2012, he twice visited Pyongyang's Kyongsang Kindergarten, a school devoted to educating children who show early promise of talent and intelligence.

On Monday North Korea also introduced "kid composer" O Yun Jong, 6; "soccer treasure" Han Hyok, 12; and another literary prodigy, 13-year-old Yu Hyon Jong.