Dennis Rodman demonstrated just how close he is with the North Korean leader when he divulged the name of Kim Jong-un's daughter and said he spent time with the family.
The former NBA star also stated he'd be making a big announcement upon his return to the States.
Rodman concluded his second trip to Pyongyang on Saturday. After returning to China to take a connecting flight to the U.S., the retired forward met with the press and reported that he was even closer with leader Kim, after spending time "relaxing by the sea" with the North Korean family and talking over a potential basketball game against the United States-a friendly one.
According to the Guardian, Kim also stated he'd held Kim's baby daughter, named Ju Ae, and had a conversation with his wif Ri Sol-ju.
Rodman made a specific point to note that he wouldn't be discussing the release of detained American Kenneth Bae, as he previously insisted he would.
He insinuated that another trip in December might be in the works.
Following his first trip in February, Rodman said Kim's wife Ri talked about a new baby daughter, backing media inklings that there was a new member of the North Korean ruling family, USA Today reported.
Details on the potential friendly U.S.-North Korea basketball game will reportedly come on Monday. Rodman also wrote on his Twitter that he'd be making a "huge" statement at 3 p.m. EST in New York City.
Excited to be making a HUGE announcement today in New York City with @PaddyPower Stay tuned... #BasketballDiplomacy
— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) September 9, 2013
Watch my announcement today at 3pm live! https://t.co/vfuuePBXZT — Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) September 9, 2013
The former NBA star has come under some scrutiny for his close relations with Kim. Although Rodman visited North Korea during a time of reparations and eased tensions with the South, Pyongyang repealed its invitation to a U.S. envoy last month.
The envoy was scheduled to go to North Korea to negotiate the release of Kenneth Bae, a 44-year-old American citizen who has been held in a labor camp for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
But Rodman maintained that the Supreme Leader is a "great guy."
"He loves basketball, and he's interested in building trust and understanding through sport and cultural exchanges," Rodman told the Guardian.
