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Dennis Rodman appeared to break down yesterday as he apologised on his return from a controversial trip to North Korea, where he sang Happy Birthday to regime leader Kim Jong-un.
The former NBA star was widely criticised for refusing to bring up human-rights abuses or the plight of a US missionary detained in North Korea during his week-long visit.

Rodman was also accused of pandering to North Korean authorities during the trip, which featured an exhibition basketball match with other NBA stars.
"I am sorry. I am not the president. I am not an ambassador. I am Dennis Rodman. Just an individual, just showing the world the fact that we can actually get along and be happy for one day," Rodman said, before his voice broke and he put his hands to his face.
Rodman has developed an unlikely relationship with Kim since making his first trip to the North last February, when he declared Kim a "friend for life".
The former Chicago Bulls star was asked yesterday whether he raised the issue of Kenneth Bae, who was detained by North Korean authorities in 2012.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything," Rodman said.
North Korea, which bans proselytising, says Bae is a Christian evangelist who brought in "inflammatory" material.
Watch: Rodman 'sorry' after controversial North Korea trip



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North Korea

Dennis Rodman sorry for birthday visit with Kim Jong-un

Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman at the Beijing airport. Photo: Reuters

Dennis Rodman has apologised for not being able to help American missionary Kenneth Bae detained in North Korea. Photo: Reuters

US Christian missionary Kenneth Bae. Photo: Reuters

North Korean leader Kim emerges the winner in Rodman's diplomacy game

Illustration: Craig Stephens

'I was upset and drinking': Rodman apologises for comments about North Korea detainee

Dennis Rodman sings a birthday song to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: AP

A KCNA photo shows Dennis Rodman (right) sitting with Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju (far left). Photo: Reuters

 Rodman tips his hat as US and North Korean basketball players applaud at the end of an exhibition basketball game at an indoor stadium in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

Detained American Kenneth Bae. Photo: Reuters

Rodman appears to blame US missionary Kenneth Bae for getting jailed in North Korea

Dennis Rodman and Kenneth Bae (inset). Photos: AP, SCMP Pictures

Dennis Rodman and Kenneth Bae (inset). Photos: AP, Reuters

Revealed: Rodman’s team for Pyongyang basketball game have colourful pasts

Dennis Rodman is leading a group of retired NBA players on a basketball exhibition game for Kim Jong-un's birthday. Photo: AP

Photo: exnba.com

Photo: AP

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Kenny Anderson website

Photo: NBA

Rodman arrives for Kim’s birthday game; reveals death threats over North Korea visits

Dennis Rodman arrives at a hotel in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

The ex-NBA star reaches for a bottle of vodka after he arrives at a hotel in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

Dennis Rodman huddles with North Korean basketball players and fellow former NBA stars at a practice session on Tuesday. Photo: AP

News

Asia

Dennis Rodman appeared to break down yesterday as he apologised on his return from a controversial trip to North Korea, where he sang Happy Birthday to regime leader Kim Jong-un.
