North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Kim Jong UnSatellite images indicate North Korea preparing for massive military parade South Korea warns of underwater missile test launch by North Korea Trump says he didn't share classified information following Woodward book MORE wanted the United States to send "famous basketball players" to the country as part of a deal to normalize relations, ABC News reported Thursday.

The proposal was reportedly made as part of the cultural exchange between the two countries ahead of their summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, earlier this year.

North Korea also reportedly requested the exchange of orchestras between the two countries as a requirement for denuclearization.

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A State Department spokesperson declined to comment to The Hill on private diplomatic conversations.

The summit in Hanoi was ultimately unsuccessful, as President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE pulled out of negotiations.

Kim has been very public about his love for basketball and is close friends with NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, who has visited Pyongyang frequently.

Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, was also a basketball fan.

In 2000, he requested that the U.S. send Michael Jordan to North Korea. Jordan declined and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright gifted a ball signed by the six-time NBA champion to the North Koreans instead.