Former US basketball star Dennis Rodman has apologised on his return from a controversial trip to North Korea, where he sang 'Happy Birthday' to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

Rodman was accused of pandering to North Korean authorities during the trip, which featured an exhibition basketball match involving other National Basketball Association (NBA) stars to mark the North Korean leader's birthday.

"I am sorry. I am not the president. I am not an ambassador. I am Dennis Rodman," the former Chicago Bulls player said at Beijing airport.

"Just an individual, just showing the world the fact that we can actually get along and be happy for one day."

Rodman was also widely criticised for refusing to bring up human rights abuses or the plight of a US missionary detained in North Korea during his week-long visit, but said he would return again next month.

The player known as "The Worm" was returning from his fourth visit to the reclusive state in 12 months.

"It is amazing that I had the opportunity just to go to North Korea, and for the Marshal (Mr Kim) just to give me an opportunity just to be in his presence and in his city," he said, adding that he would visit the North again next month for "another game".

Floyd 'misled' about trip

Rodman brought a team of fellow ex-NBA stars to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, for an exhibition game last Wednesday to mark Kim Jong-Un's birthday.

One of Rodman's teammates, Eric 'Sleepy' Floyd, said he was "misled" about the trip and he tried to leave the day after the players arrived last Monday as he was "uncomfortable" with not being given "all the information" about the itinerary.

Floyd said he believed he would be working with "kids" rather than attending a "birthday celebration" for Mr Kim.

Rodman has developed an unlikely relationship with the North Korean leader since making his first trip there last February, when he declared Mr Kim a "friend for life"

The Swiss-educated Mr Kim is reported to be a keen fan of basketball and especially of Rodman's former team the Chicago Bulls, with whom Rodman won three NBA titles alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s.

Apology for comments on Bae

Rodman's advisers have issued a statement apologising for comments he made before last Wednesday's game, which appeared to suggest that American missionary Kenneth Bae was responsible for his 15-year prison sentence in North Korea.

Rodman had been asked by CNN if he would make the case to the North Korean leadership that American Kenneth Bae should be freed.

"I don't give a rat's ass what the hell you think," Rodman said, before appearing to suggest Bae was to blame for his incarceration.

"Do you understand what he did in this country? Why is he held captive in this country?" he said, declining to respond to questions to clarify what he meant.

His advisers say Rodman had been drinking on a stressful day.

"I want to apologise, I take full responsibility," CNN said, quoting the statement.

AFP/Reuters