Kim Jong-Un Basketball Junkie

[CKR13]

I like him already.

• Basketball the way to Kim's heart
• Kim Jong Un, Secret Basketball Fanatic?
• Kim Jong-il dead: questions over the basketball-mad son Kim Jong-un

[BBallfanJ]

Just supply him with basketball tapes indefinitely and maybe he'll stay sane and not become the wing-nut his father was.

[CKR13]

Interesting snippet from Hankyoreh

The newspaper reported that the records also contained reference to Kim commenting on a basketball backboard painted black with white lines during a visit to a People’s Army unit. International rules state that the lines should be black on a white background, and the newspaper noted that specific reference was made in the records to Kim, the country’s top leader, commenting on the problem as soon as he saw it, expressing concern about the country’s defiance of international rules in its production practices.

[CKR13]

An all pro American team lead by a former varsity coach will tour North Korea for a couple of games in June.

Pro basketball: Hayes to coach in North Korea

[CKR13]

Dennis Rodman was in North Korea recently as a delegate in Basketball for Diplomacy.

[CKR13]

[Khalid80]

Some videos regarding Rodman and his visit to North Korea:

LMAO on the first one

[rikhardur]

[CKR13]

Dennis Rodman wants to return to North Korea this summer.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/04/13/3342700/dennis-rodman-planning-another.html

[CKR13]

N.Korea Suggests Regional Basketball Tournament

North Korea last month proposed to the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union an international basketball tournament involving both Koreas, China, and Japan.

An informed source on Friday said North Korean state broadcaster KRT proposed to the ABU that they jointly host a basketball tournament among national players from the four countries.

It seems Pyongyang made the proposal because North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is keen on basketball, as evidenced by his invitation to former U.S. basketball superstar Dennis Rodman and the Harlem Globetrotters to Pyongyang in March, the source added.

The ABU has been led by since 2012 by Kim In-kyu, the former president of KBS in Seoul. Asked by the Chosun Ilbo about Pyongyang's proposal, a KBS staffer seconded to the ABU Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said, "I can't give you details. But it's true that there were talks between the ABU and KRT. But no progress has been made in this regard."

He added that Kim In-kyu met KRT chairman Cha Sung-su in Pyongyang last year as they were discussing the price of broadcasting rights for the London Olympics for Pyongyang. "Since then, the ABU has been in contact with KRT once in a while."

During the London Olympics, KRT sent a crew of six to London for the first time in North Korea's history.

Established in 1964, the ABU is an international agency consisting of broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific region that promotes cooperation between members.

-Chosunilbo

Two weeks ago, the (South) Korean Basketball Association proposed a friendly basketball game between the North and South.

[CKR13]

Rodman to make 'friendly' visit to Kim

BEIJING -- 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.

-ESPN via AP

[b3lowzro]

Like father, like son.

what-do-you-mean-that-wasnt-president-obama.jpg

[CKR13]

Dennis Rodman in North Korea the second time around.

[CKR13]

Dennis Rodman & North Korea Basketball: Ex-NBA Star Says Kim Jong Un Asked Him To Train Players

[b3lowzro]

I remember a Kim Jong Il forum member here recruiting a German coach.