PYONGYANG, North Korea — Former NBA star Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea on Thursday to meet leader Kim Jong Un and put the finishing touches on plans to take 12 ex-NBA players to Pyongyang for a Jan. 8 exhibition game marking the leader's birthday. Rodman said the game is on track despite the recent execution of Kim's uncle in a dramatic political purge.
Rodman's visit comes less than a week after North Korea announced the execution of Jang Song Thaek, an unprecedented fall for one of the most powerful figures in the country. Jang's execution sparked speculation by foreign analysts over the future of the Kim regime.
But officials in Pyongyang say Jang's removal has not caused any instability.
Rodman said in a brief interview at his Pyongyang hotel that he was undaunted by the recent political events.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
