“He’s Forced to Be in This Position”: NBA Legend Dennis Rodman Broke the Plight of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un

Published 09/11/2022, 8:45 PM EDT

Dennis Rodman ranks among the pantheon of great NBA defenders. Making his rise as an indispensable piece of two dynasties, the Worm had an illustrious run in the NBA. However, his lifestyle didn’t see him just dominate on rebounds. The flamboyant choices made him a favorite headlining athlete. And that quality didn’t go away after retirement either.

Notably, the five-time champion caused a stir in the media during his first visit to North Korea. Tagging along with the Harlem Globetrotters, Rodman traveled to promote basketball. However, his journey saw him make a friend. Known for his flamboyant personality, Rodman became buddies with the supreme leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un.

Article continues below this ad

Likewise, during a live television appearance in 2018, the Worm openly spoke about his good friend. Calling Kim Jong-Un a kid, he revealed the true side of the North Korean leader.

Dennis Rodman stands up for his friend

World-renowned TV host Stephen Colbert wanted an answer to the most anticipated question, what is Kim Jong Un like? Speaking about the foreign leader, Rodman had a surprising take. Notably, he revealed the leader of North Korea despised war.

“I Thought I Was a Wild Child”: NBA Legend Dennis Rodman Channeled His Inner Jimi Hendrix While Playing With Michael Jordan in Chicago

The two-time Defensive Player of the Year said: “Last time I was there a couple of years ago he said, ‘I don’t want war’. These are true words. Like I said I would take you over there and let you listen to him, the way he talks. He’s more of a kid than anything. I think his grandfather, father, that regime has passed on to him. I think he really wants to change his culture. But I think he is forced to be in this position. Because every time I go over there he has changed so much for the people. The people don’t see that.”

Article continues below this ad

Kim-Jong Un lives a private life, however, his love for basketball came to the front during the Worm’s trip in 2013. A reportedly diehard fan of the Chicago Bulls, he had a particular soft corner for Dennis Rodman. Likewise, the two hit it right off. Calling him a “friend for life”, Rodman once even sang happy birthday to Kim Jong Un during one of his visits to North Korea.

WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan’s 5 rumored affairs after his divorce with Juanita.

Article continues below this ad

From there, the NBA Hall of Famer has made relations with various world leaders. Recently, he even pledged to bring Brittney Griner back home from Russia. However, he then withdrew the statement. While no details about their bond are out in the open, Rodman has portrayed his loyalty towards Kim Jong Un on every occasion.

Do you think the Chicago Bulls legend will visit North Korea again soon? Let us know your views in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.

Edited by:

Veer Badani

“He’s Forced to Be in This Position”: NBA Legend Dennis Rodman Broke the Plight of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un

Dennis Rodman stands up for his friend

Trending

“You 7’4, I’m 6′10”: Dwight Howard Responds After Shaquille O’Neal Gets JJ Redick’s Verdict on Orlando Legacy

Days After $800K Loss, Bronny James Spotted at Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Me’arah’s 18th Birthday Bash

“Bron Is a Gift & Curse”: LeBron James Humiliating Darvin Ham in Leaked Video Is Excusable, Claims NBA Legend

“It Was Embarrassing and It Was My Fault”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Lifelong Regret Still Haunts 7ft Giant to This Day

Lakers News: Headache for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, as Ex-Coach Shuts Door on LA Return Following Ty Lue Decision