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The North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been photographed visiting an orphanage in Pyongyang in an apparent bid to show his 'softer side' just weeks after he ordered the execution of his uncle.
In images released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, he can be seen hugging a young child, and in another standing over five babies lying together in a row on the floor.
No further details on his visit have been released.
The photos follow claims made last week by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency that Jang Song-Thaek's children, brothers and grandchildren were also put to death following his execution in December.
Jang, 67, was executed by the Pyongyang government on 12 December and the killing of his family members "mean that no traces of him should be left", a source told Yonhap.
This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on February 4, 2014 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visiting a baby home and orphanage in Pyongyang (AFP) Following the execution of Jang Song-Thaek in December the Korean state news wire carried a statement in which the uncle was described as "despicable human scum" and "worse than a dog".
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tourShow all 15 1 /15In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gives†field guidance to the August 25 Fisheries Station under KPA 313 Unit Reuters
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour korea-9.jpg Kim Jong un laughs as he inspects the August 25 Fisheries Station under KPA 313 Unit
Reuters
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands in the August 25 Fisheries Station under KPA 313 Unit Reuters
Reuters
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives in the August 25 Fisheries Station under KPA 313 Unit Reuters
Reuters
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inside the August 25 Fisheries Station under KPA 313 Unit Reuters
Reuters
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the bier of Kim Kuk Thae, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and expressed deep condolences over his death in Pyongyang Getty Images
Getty Images
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the Masik Pass Hotel, ski service and lodging buildings and rest areas in the skiing courses of the Masik Pass Ski Resort in Kangwon province Getty Images
Getty Images
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walks through the Masik Pass Hotel, ski service and lodging buildings and rest areas in the skiing courses of the Masik Pass Ski Resort in Kangwon province Getty Images
Getty Images
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inside a room in the Masik Pass Hotel, ski service and lodging buildings and rest areas in the skiing courses of the Masik Pass Ski Resort in Kangwon province Getty Images
Getty Images
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Koreans gather together on the steps of Mansu Hill to lay flowers at the base of statues of the late leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, in Pyongyang AP
AP
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean soldiers gathered at Kumsusan memorial palace in support of their leader Kim Jong-Un in Pyongyang Getty Images
Getty Images
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean People's Army soldiers take part in a rally to swear allegiance to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of the second death anniversary of former leader Kim Jong Il at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang Reuters
Reuters
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korean soldiers gathered at Kumsusan memorial palace in support of their leader Kim Jong-Un in Pyongyang Getty Images
Getty Images
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour North Korea soldiers stand guard on the banks of the Yalu River which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong Getty Images
In pictures: Kim Jong Un goes on a Christmas tour China has lost its key North Korean interlocutor with the purging of Kim Jong Un's uncle, but analysts say the young leader's tightening grip on power may be welcomed by Beijing, which prizes stability in its wayward nuclear-armed ally Getty Images
Getty Images
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