DENNIS Rodman is headed back to North Korea with a group of former NBA players, but his comments about the rogue state have been slammed by respected news anchor Anderson Cooper.
"Dennis Rodman says North Korea is 'not that bad'. Dennis Rodman is deeply stupid," Cooper said in a tweet today.
His comments - which were retweeted more than 5000 times in two hours - came after Rodman said he would not raise global concerns about repression with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un because he is his friend and he loves him.
The eccentric ex-Chicago Bulls player is leading a team including retired NBA All-Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker for an exhibition game against North Korea, which is being held Wednesday to mark Kim's birthday.
Rodman told reporters at Beijing airport that he hoped the match could "open the doors" to "talk about certain things".
Kim and I are friends ... Former NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman surrounded by members of the media as he arrives to check in for his flight to North Korea at Beijing's international airport. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
"But I am not going to sit there and go 'Hey guy, you are doing the wrong thing. That is not the right way to do it. He is my friend first ... and I love him," Rodman said, sprinkling his comments with expletives.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as it is officially known, is a one-party Communist state which has been ruled by the Kim dynasty since its founding.
On his way to North Korea ... Former NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman of the US Picture: AFP Source: AFP
The country has in the past been hit by famine, sometimes threatens war against South Korea and the US, and is regularly accused of human rights abuses.
The heavily tattooed Rodman has developed an unlikely relationship with the North Korean leader since making his first trip there in February, when he declared Kim a "friend for life".
Former NBA players Doug Christie, Craig Hodges and Charles D Smith are also in Rodman's side for the exhibition game.
Mates ... North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and former NBA star Dennis Rodman last year. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
Five players were travelling with Rodman on his flight to Pyongyang today, while another will arrive on Tuesday, one of the trip's organisers told AFP, without giving details.
The young Kim, who was educated in Switzerland, is reported to be a keen basketball fan and especially of the Chicago Bulls, for whom Rodman played a key role in winning three NBA titles alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s.
Rodman, who is making his fourth visit to Pyongyang, made his last trip shortly before Christmas, when he trained the North Korean players.
Keen sports man ... North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a ski resort on Masik Pass. Picture: AFP. Source: AFP
Earlier last year, he visited the North with the Harlem Globetrotters, as part of what he describes as "basketball diplomacy".
Last month Kim had his uncle and former mentor Jang Song-Thaek executed. "I am not worried about his uncle," Rodman said in Beijing in response to questions about the move.
Widespread speculation continues in relation to how Jong-Un executed his uncle, after details emerged from a report in Hong Kong that he was fed to starving dogs.
Rodman routinely distances himself from political events in the country.
The player known as "The Worm" is one of the few Westerners to have met Kim, who took over following the death of his father Kim Jong-Il.
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