SINGAPORE: Former US basketball star Dennis Rodman, one of a handful of Westerners to have met North Korean head of state Kim Jong Un, said the young leader was trying to make changes in his country.
The comment came after Rodman had wept on CNN when discussing the unprecedented talks in Singapore between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Rodman had declared he was in Singapore “to be part of it.”
“(Kim) is trying to change his people and his culture for a little bit, and I think Donald Trump did a great job at keeping his composure and understand that Kim Jong Un wants to have trust in America,” Rodman told reporters on Tuesday.
Kim and Trump agreed to work toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, an agreement that has been met with both praise and some skepticism that it will lead to tangible changes.
There has been no indication Rodman would be involved in official talks with Kim or Trump. Asked last week if Rodman had been invited to Singapore, Trump said, “No, he wasn’t.”
“Just here to be a part of it, and I’m glad I’m here,” Rodman said, adding he hoped Trump would invite him to the White House for a visit.
In an interview with CNN earlier on Tuesday, Rodman said: “It’s a great day,” wiping away tears from beneath a large pair of black sunglasses.
Kim has returned to his hotel following the summit. He is expected to leave Singapore at 1300 GMT on Tuesday, two sources familiar with the plans said.
Rodman most recently traveled to North Korea a year ago as a private citizen. This trip to Singapore, like the last one, is sponsored by potcoin.com, the crypto-currency provider for the legal marijuana industry, Rodman said on Twitter.
Before Trump became president, Rodman appeared twice on his “Celebrity Apprentice” show and praised the billionaire real estate developer on Twitter during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Rodman has faced ridicule and criticism for his trips to North Korea, which some US politicians and activists view as serving only as fodder for North Korean propaganda.
His earlier visits to North Korea included a basketball game he organized, an event chronicled in the documentary film “Big Bang in Pyongyang,” which featured Rodman singing “Happy Birthday” to Kim, as well as scenes of inebriated and erratic behavior by the basketball Hall of Famer.
Emotional Dennis Rodman says Kim trying to change North Korea
Emotional Dennis Rodman says Kim trying to change North Korea
- (Kim) is trying to change his people and his culture for a little bit, said Rodman
Harry Styles announces 2026 global tour: See the dates
- e news arrives a week after Styles revealed his fourth studio album will arrive March 6. Titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally”
NEW YORK: Harry Styles is getting back out on the road. The English musician announced his “Together, Together” tour on Thursday. It’s a 50-date run made up of residencies in Europe, the UK, Brazil, Mexico, the US and Australia.
Styles’ tour launches May 16 with six nights in Amsterdam, followed by six nights in London, two in São Paulo, two in Mexico City, 30 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, two in Melbourne and two in Sydney, where it will conclude in December.
Openers include Robyn, Shania Twain, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and more.
There are a few pre-sale opportunities. The general sale for São Paulo begins Wednesday and the Mexico City sale begins Jan. 29.
The general sale for Amsterdam, London, Melbourne, Sydney, and many New York dates begins Jan. 30. The last New York dates, Oct. 10 to 31, will go on sale Feb. 4.
Styles is no stranger to residencies. During his “Love on Tour” in 2022, he did a 15-night stint at Madison Square Garden, which Ticketmaster labeled “the highest-grossing single engagement in the venue’s history.”
The “Together, Together” tour news arrives a week after Styles revealed his long-awaited, fourth studio album will arrive March 6.
Titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” the album is Styles’ first full-length project in four years. It follows the 2022, critically acclaimed synth pop record “Harry’s House,” which earned the former One Direction star the top prize of album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
The cover for “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” features the 31-year-old artist in a T-shirt and jeans at night, standing underneath a shimmering disco ball hung outside.
