5 things we learned from Dennis Rodman's visit to North Korea

Michael Katz, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

Dennis Rodman is back from North Korea, and went on ABC's "This Week" Sunday to discuss his recent visit with George Stephanopoulos.

This is a big deal. While Rodman said he has no interest in becoming a diplomat, he (somewhat incredibly) now has more personal experience with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un than any American.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The first American to meet North Korea's new leader says Kim Jong Un (kim jawng oon) doesn't want war with the United States. He just wants President Barack Obama to call him.

Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman says Obama and Kim share a love of basketball, so "let's start there."

So, to recap, here are five things that we learned from Dennis Rodman's first interview about his trip.

(1) Kim Jung Un does not want war. He wants a phone call from Barack Obama.

"He want Obama to do one thing: Call him.," Rodman said. "He said, 'If you can Dennis, I don't want to do war.' He said that to me."

(2) The secret to U.S.-North Korea diplomatic relations is, of course, basketball.

"[Kim] loves basketball. And I said the same thing, I said, 'Obama loves basketball,'" Rodman said. "Let's start there."

(3) Rodman has the best tailor. Ever.

(4) Rodman and Kim Jong Un are officially friends.

"He was a good guy to me. He's my friend," Rodman said. "I don't condone what he does. But as a person to person, he's my friend."

(5) Rodman hopes this doesn't affect how you think of him.

He finished his TV appearance with "Guess what? Don't hate me."

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More background from AP:

Rodman is just back from a visit to North Korea with the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team and spent two days with Kim.

The State Department on Friday distanced itself from Rodman's visit.

The trip took place amid strained ties between the U.S. and North Korea over the North's recent underground nuclear test.