Dennis Rodman has more wild off-court stories in his lifetime than any NBA star. But nothing tops his unexpected friendship with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un. The former NBA star visited the country when tensions between the USA and North Korea were at their peak. Despite the criticism, The Worm defended his longstanding friendship with the North Korean leader.

Fans might not know some of Kim Jong-Un’s more typical interests. He’s a known fan of the Chicago Bulls and its legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. However, when he failed to persuade those icons to visit his country, he invited Dennis Rodman. Thus began the most fascinating bilateral friendship the world has ever seen.

Dennis Rodman shares his first reaction to North Korea

Back then, several reports indicated that the US government was keen on utilizing Kim Jong-Un and his father’s shared love for the Chicago Bulls to initiate diplomatic talks. Vice Media was pitching the plan to make an ambitious documentary. The North Korean administration was keen if Vice would get His Airness, Michael Jordan. According to Rodman, after Jordan refused, they asked Scottie Pippen. It was then Rodman entered the scene.

According to a Vice insider, Dennis agreed because it had been “a long time since anyone cared that he existed.”

Rodman’s visit was controversial. The US government couldn’t prevent a private citizen from going to North Korea, but global tensions were on edge with North Korea’s nuclear weapons being tested within a month of the visit.

The NBA Hall-of-Famer landed in North Korea for an exhibition match between the Harlem Globetrotters and North Korean players. He told Vlad TV that when he got off the plane, he thought he was “going to prison.” 

His impression changed when he saw the literal red carpet welcoming him.

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He was escorted to a hangar where he was made to sit on a throne-like chair while locals showered him and Kim Jong-Un with applause. Rodman also added that when Kim Jong-Un walked in, the people looked at their leader as a god to them.

Rodman’s bizarre tales continue

This chapter in modern world history has become well-known among fans and citizens alike. Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea in 2013, becoming “friends for life” with Kim Jong-Un. Clearly, Rodman’s visit to North Korea wasn’t the kind of diplomatic mission the US government had in mind.

Rodman spent his entire trip with the DPRK leader and met his family. He visited the country several times since 2013 and has even ‘dissed’ previously debated facts about Kim Jong-Un. He especially angered Americans when he publicly sang happy birthday to Kim days after the dictator had an uncle executed.

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Most consider this the most controversial thing Rodman has done but this was not the first or the last. In recent history, Rodman proclaimed his love for his girlfriend, Yella Yella, with a tattoo on the side of his face. Classic move from Dennis the Menace.

Before Donald Trump became the first US President to hold a summit in North Korea in 2018, the NBA misfit first built a personal relationship with Kim. What is your take on The Worm‘s controversial friend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!