Dennis Rodman, an NBA legend and stars of The Last Dance, has a long-standing connection to North Korea. From his early fascination with the nation’s basketball team to his current bromance with Kim Jong Un, the two share a unique bond – but why?
Rodman first traveled to North Korea in 2013, where he was welcomed with much fanfare by the leader of the nation. His first mission there was to coach a North Korean basketball team to victory.
Although this was an unprecedentedly positive thing to come out of the nation, Rodman’s motives weren’t entirely altruistic. In an interview, he later admitted he was just looking for a story. “I saw an opportunity to be a diplomat of some kind,” he said.
However, Rodman ended up finding a much more meaningful relationship with the nation than he had initially expected. His trips to North Korea quickly became regular, and he had nothing but good to say about the people and country.
“They love basketball, they’re fun, they’re happy, they don’t have the same worries that we have here in the United States,” Rodman told CNBC in 2018. He also called Kim Jong Un “a good friend” and defended him when asked about the nation’s human rights record.
Some experts have attributed Rodman’s admiration and devotion to North Korea to the country’s isolation from the rest of the world. Rodman has discussed how North Koreans are unaware of the negative news about their nation, and this could be part of his attraction. He may also have felt more accepted there than he does in the United States, thanks to the cult of personality associated with Kim Jong Un.
Others have speculated that Rodman may have simply found solace in the country, as it gave him a chance to step away from the public eye and live a quieter, simpler life. This could explain why he’s so adamant about defending the nation.
Regardless of his motivations, Rodman’s love for North Korea has remained strong since his first visit there in 2013. He continues to praise the nation, and speaks often of his admiration for its leader.
The Humanitarian Aspect
Rodman’s trips to North Korea can also seen as humanitarian. His goal is to use basketball to bridge the gap between the United States and the reclusive nation, and he is actively working to soften the rhetoric in the political debate. In 2014, he even lobbied President Obama to send then-ambassador to Moscow, Mike McFaul, to North Korea to engage in direct talks.
In recent years, Rodman has also become a major fundraiser for various charities that help the people of North Korea. He has work with to help find ways to send food, clothing and other essential supplies to those living in the region.
In 2016, Rodman even ran a crowdfunding campaign designed to raise $1 million for families in provinces devastated by the ongoing famine there. Although he fell short of his goal, he still managed to garner enough donations to make a difference.
Clearly, Rodman’s connection to North Korea stretches far beyond basketball and is much more than a superficial friendship. His relationship gives him a unique insight into how the people of the isolated nation think and feel, and he continues to do his best to help the country.
Building Cultural Bridges
Rodman has also been working to build cultural bridges between North Korea and the rest of the world. Despite the heated rhetoric coming from both sides, he remains optimistic that peace is possible.
When asked what he was trying to achieve in North Korea, he said: “It’s just to bring peace and love, and just show them great people in the world, that there’s people out there that care about them.”
Rodman’s connections to North Korea have also inspired other Americans to visit the nation, like NBA hall of famer Charles Smith, former NBA star Stephon Marbury and rap artist Kanye West. Although some of these visits have been controversial, it’s clear the nation is slowly becoming more open to outsiders.
So why does Dennis Rodman like North Korea? From his connections to the citizens and his work to help the famine stricken to his desire to build a real connection with the nation, Rodman is an unlikely ambassador between the two countries, and a true champion of peace and understanding.
Implications for the Future
The international spotlight is shining brighter on North Korea than ever before, particularly since the historic summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. Rodman is in a unique position to be of service to the country, and his role as a diplomat between the two superpowers is likely to grow in importance.
Although some of his support is likely an attempt to increase his own fame and popularity, Rodman’s admiration of North Korea is real. He understands that the country has immense potential and has repeatedly expressed his hope that it will become an important part of the global community.
The world can learn a lot from Rodman’s approach to North Korea. Rather than relying on military threats, or refusing to talk at all, his attempts at diplomacy can be seen as a beacon of hope in a relationship that could otherwise be hostile.
Rodman is no stranger to controversy, but his relationship with North Korea is certainly one of his most notable. His continued commitment to building bridges between the two countries is admirable, and it’s easy to see why the nation has developed such a special connection with the international basketball star.
The Role of Technology
Technology also plays an important role in Rodman’s relationship with North Korea. He has used a wide range of social media platforms to keep in contact with people within the country, and to present the nation in a more positive light to the rest of the world.
Rodman is also using cutting-edge technology to find ways of shipping food, clothing and other necessities to communities in need. For example, he recently partnered with a tech start-up to help deliver goods to remote areas of the country.
His efforts to use technology as a force for good are admirable and could be a sign of things to come. After all, technology – when used correctly – can be a powerful tool for opening doors and building better relationships with those on the other side.
Of course, technology is just one piece of the puzzle. While it can facilitate communication and ease the flow of goods, it will never replace the importance of human connection, which is what Rodman is all about.
The Future of Rodman and North Korea
With the world’s focus on North Korea shifting, it will be interesting to see how Rodman’s relationship with the nation evolves over time. Will he continue to be an advocate for the people of the isolated nation, or will he step back and allow diplomacy to take center stage?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Dennis Rodman’s continued presence in North Korea is a source of inspiration for many and a symbol of hope for what could be possible in the future.
