Watch CBS News

Dennis Rodman Sings Happy Birthday To 'Best Friend' Kim Jong Un

PYONGYANG, North Korea (CBSNewYork/AP) —Dennis Rodman sang "Happy Birthday" to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before leading a squad of former NBA stars for a friendly game Wednesday as part of his "basketball diplomacy" that has been criticized in the United States.

Rodman dedicated the game to his "best friend" Kim, who along with his wife and other senior officials and their wives watched from a special seating area. The capacity crowd of about 14,000 at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium clapped loudly as Rodman sang a verse from the birthday song.

Rodman said he was honored to be able to play the game in the North Korean capital, and called the event "historic." To keep it friendly, the Americans played against the North Koreans in the first half, but split up and merged teams for the second half.

For the rest of this story, please visit CBS New York

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.