Summary Rodman first met Kim a basketball fan during a visit in February to promote sport and make a film.
BEIJING (AP) Basketball star Dennis Rodman is heading to North Korea for the second time this year for what he says is a friendly visit to his friend, the communist nation s leader, Kim Jong Un.
But he is playing down speculation his trip is aimed at freeing jailed American missionary Kenneth Bae saying there s been "nothing promised." Rodman spoke briefly to reporters Tuesday while transiting at Beijing s airport on his way to Pyongyang.
"I m going to North Korea to meet my friend, Kim," he said. "It s a friendly gesture."
Rodman first met Kim a basketball fan during a visit in February to promote the sport and make a film. U.S. officials frowned on the trip for giving Kim a propaganda boost, but Rodman suggested "basketball diplomacy" could warm relations.
