Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea on Thursday for his third visit this year to the hard-line Stalinist country, saying he will train the country's national basketball team and see his "friend," leader Kim Jong Un.
Rodman's visit comes just a week after Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, was executed for treason. The demise of Jang, a top government official, appears to have been part of an internal purge and has largely ended speculation that the youngish Kim, who became the country's supreme leader after his father's death two years ago, might usher in a kinder, gentler era.
Speaking in Beijing en route to Pyongyang, Rodman said he was "very proud" to call Kim his friend.
"[He] hasn't done anything to put a damper or to say negative things about my country," the ex-NBA player said.
Rodman said he hoped his trip would "open doors for America."
The Los Angeles Times reports:
"Publicity materials for the event indicate that Rodman plans to bring 'NBA stars' to play against the North Koreans, though no names of any participating players have been announced."