Former NBA star Dennis Rodman observed and coached North Korean players. Rodman hopes to bring forme

(20 Dec 2013) DENNIS RODMAN MEETS BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN NORTH KOREA Former US basketball star Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea on Thursday to meet leader Kim Jong Un and put the finishing touches to plans to bring 12 ex-NBA players to Pyongyang for a January 8 exhibition game marking Kim's birthday. Rodman, who spent time watching and instructing North Korean basketball players on Thursday, said January's game is on track despite the recent execution of Kim's uncle in a dramatic political purge. The execution of Jang Song-thaek sparked speculation by foreign analysts over the future of the Kim regime. But officials in Pyongyang say Jang's removal has not caused any instability. Rodman's visit - should it proceed uneventfully - could be a sign that Kim is firmly in charge. Rodman said that he was undaunted by the recent political events. "There are those that are afraid to come here, but I'm just telling you don't be afraid man. It's all love man, it's all love here, and people here, it's not about that, it's about doing things to unite. This country's pretty cool man, it's pretty cool. I understand what's going on with the political stuff. I'm don't want to go into that venture. I'm just doing one thing for these kids here and for this country and for my country, and for the world pretty much," he said. Rodman and Kim have struck up an unlikely friendship since the Rodman traveled to the secretive state for the first time in February with the Harlem Globetrotters for an HBO series produced by New York-based VICE television. He remains the highest-profile American to meet Kim since the leader inherited power from his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011. Rodman has not yet announced the roster for the January game. He is also expected to train North Korean basketball players during his several-day stay in Pyongyang and to meet Kim, though he did not give any details about what his plans are. Known as much for his piercings, tattoos and bad behaviour as he was for basketball, Rodman has mostly avoided politics in his dealings with the North. He's mainly focused on using basketball as a means of boosting understanding and communication and has studiously avoided commenting on the North's human rights record or its continued detainment of an American, Kenneth Bae, for allegedly committing anti-state crimes. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...