Dennis Rodman is back from a second trip to North Korea and reportedly let it slip that the isolated country’s dictator, Kim Jong-Un, is a father. The NBA Hall of Famer revealed Kim’s baby’s name and gender.
While speaking with The Guardian about his second trip to North Korea this year, he described Kim as a “good dad” and said that his daughter’s name is Ju-ae.
“The Marshal Kim and I had a relaxing time by the sea with his family,” Rodman said Sunday. “We shared many meals and drinks where we discussed our plans to play a historic friendship basketball game between North Korea and the US as well as ways to develop their basketball team.”
He claimed that he actually held Ju-ae and talked with Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-Ju. Rodman added that Kim told him, “I'll see you in December.”
In response to those who have criticized him for getting cozy with a man accused of human rights violations, Rodman said, “I know in time Americans will see I'm just trying to help us all get along and see eye to eye through basketball and with my friendship with Kim I know this will happen.”
During his return trip, Rodman also spoke with the Associated Press, saying that it wasn’t his job to try to get Kim to free Kenneth Bae, an American citizen who has been in prison in North Korea since November.
CNN notes that when Rodman returns to New York, he is expected to host a news conference. “Just returned from North Korea. HUGE announcement tomorrow morning in NYC,” he tweeted Sunday night.
Excited to be making a HUGE announcement today in New York City with @PaddyPower Stay tuned... #BasketballDiplomacy
— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) September 9, 2013
image: NBC