Can Dennis Rodman Rescue American in North Korea?
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Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014(NEW YORK) — The son of an American missionary imprisoned in North Korea is hoping that Dennis Rodman can perform a “miracle” and help bring his father home.
“North Korea is a crazy place and anything is possible, even Dennis Rodman rescuing my father,” said Jonathan Bae, the son of Kenneth Bae, who was last year was sentenced to 15 years hard labor after being accused of committing hostile acts against the state.
Jonathan Bae conceded that it was unlikely Rodman, a flamboyant former professional basketball player, would leave Pyongyang with his father in tow, but after failed attempts through official channels it was the family’s last best hope.
“It is not likely Rodman will be able to bring my father home, but miracles happen. If anyone can bring him back it’s someone who calls Kim Jung-Un a friend,” Bae told ABC News.
Bae said he had been in touch with Rodman’s representatives, but had not been promised anything.
ABC News spoke with Jonathan Bae just as Rodman arrived in North Korea, his second trip to the reclusive country.
Rodman told reporters in Beijing before leaving for Pyongyang, but he would not say if he would be seeking Bae’s release.
“I just want to meet my friend Kim, the marshal, and start a basketball league over there or something like that,” said Rodman, known for his tattoos and body piercings. “I have not been promised anything. I am just going there as a friendly gesture.”
“I’m not there to be a diplomat. I’m there to go there and just have a good time, sit with (Kim) and his family, and that’s pretty much it,” he said.
Just days ago, North Korean officials cancelled a visit by U.S. diplomat Ambassador Robert King, citing an American military exercise held over South Korea.
Kenneth Bae, 45, was accused of trying to set up an anti-regime base in North Korea. He has diabetes and is believed to be in failing health.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio