North Korea's Kim Jong-un makes a rare New Year's speech

It was the first New Year's Day broadcast for 19 years; Mr Kim's father, Kim Jong-il, was rarely heard or seen by his people, preferring to deliver his New Year message in a joint editorial across the country's three main state newspapers.

However, the younger Kim likes to style himself after his charismatic grandfather, Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea who continues to enjoy huge popularity.

The 29-year-old made his address standing at a huge wooden lectern in front of two vases of what appeared to be purple Kimilsungia flowers, a type of orchid named after his grandfather. The more round and squat Kimjongilia flower was not visibly on display.

He vowed that North Korea would "open up a new phase" and make a "radical turnaround" in its economy in 2013, perhaps signalling that he is considering some of the economic reforms that have transformed North Korea's neighbours.

"Let us bring about a radical turn in the building of an economic giant with the same spirit and mettle as were displayed in conquering space," he said.

He also held out an olive branch to South Korea, whose new president, Park Geun-hye has promised new efforts to engage North Korea and an increase in aid.

"An important issue in putting an end to the division of the country and achieving its reunification is to remove confrontation between the north and the south," Mr Kim said.

"The past records of inter-Korean relations show that confrontation between fellow countrymen leads to nothing but war."

He added that it was South Korea's responsibility "to unclench its fist first, so that the leader of the weaker state can outstretch his hand."