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Rodman arrives in N. Korea for meeting with Kim
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Former NBA star Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea yesterday to meet leader Kim Jong Un and put the finishing touches on plans to bring 12 ex-NBA players to Pyongyang for a January 8 exhibition game marking the leader’s birthday. Rodman said the game is on track despite the recent execution of Kim’s uncle.
Rodman’s visit comes less than a week after North Korea announced the execution of Jang Song Thaek, an unprecedented fall from grace for one of the most powerful figures in the country. Jang’s execution sparked speculation by analysts over the future of the country. But officials in Pyongyang say Jang’s removal has not caused any instability.
Rodman said in a brief interview at his Pyongyang hotel that he was undaunted by the recent political events.
“I can’t control what they do with their government, I can’t control what they say or how they do things here,” he said. “I’m just trying to come here as a sports figure and try to hope I can open the door for a lot of people in the country.”
Rodman and Kim have struck up an unlikely friendship since the Hall of Famer traveled to the country for the first time in February with the Harlem Globetrotters for an HBO series produced by New York-based VICE television.
“I’ve come over to see my friend, and people always give me a little hard time about me saying that,” said Rodman. “I’m very proud to say he’s my friend, because he hasn’t done anything to put a damper, to say any negative things about my country.”
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