▲ Dennis Rodman attending Donald Trump's event in Texas
U.S. President Donald Trump introduced former NBA star Dennis Rodman on October 1 (local time) and mentioned his ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
During a speech at the Peterbilt truck plant in Denton, Texas, President Trump spotted Rodman attending the event and introduced him by saying, "A basketball legend is here."
He went on to praise Rodman as one of the greatest rebounders in basketball history and a longtime friend of his.
President Trump mentioned that when he wanted to learn more about Kim Jong-un, "the person who knew him best was Dennis Rodman," bringing up Rodman's past visits to North Korea where he interacted with the North Korean basketball team.
President Trump also noted that when he wanted to get to know Kim Jong-un, it was a time when both sides "were having problems," adding, "(Now) Kim Jong-un and I get along well."
Although President Trump did not elaborate further on the matter, it suggests that he may have sought advice from Rodman, who was close to Kim at the time, or discussed related matters with him.
President Trump, who experienced extreme tensions with North Korea early in his first term, held summit diplomacy with Kim through three meetings between 2018 and 2019.
He has shown a willingness to resume dialogue with Kim even after entering his second term.
Rodman has visited North Korea five times, mediated by Kim's love for basketball, and has met directly with Kim and his family.
President Trump also mentioned that North Korea had asked Rodman to visit the country and join the basketball team.
Regarding the North Korean basketball team, he remarked, "They weren't very good back then," adding, "Dennis went with them, though I'm not sure how much help he was to the team."
He then joked, "To be helpful, Dennis probably would have had to play on the team himself."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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