He's not a diplomat, but former NBA all-star forward Dennis Rodman might help free an ailing American missionary from North Korean confinement. Rodman recently touched down in North Korea and said he plans to visit authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un, kick back and have a good time.

Son Kwang Ho, vice-chairman of North Korea's Olympic Committee greeted Rodman like a rock star at Pyongyang's airport, just days after the North Korean regime rejected a visit by a U.S. envoy who had hoped to bring Kenneth Bae, an American missionary jailed there, back to America. The North abruptly ended the official visit because they said the U.S. chilled the talks because they conducted a military drill over South Korea with nuclear-capable B-52 bombers.

Rodman said he hoped his visit would demonstrate to the world his friendship for Kim and North Korea. He said wanted to let people know worldwide that Americans can find common ground with North Korea.

This Rodman's second trip to the North and he told reporters in Beijing before he boarded his flight to Pyongyang. Rodman refused to say whether he would seek Bae's release. Bae is a diabetic and he was recently transferred to a hospital.

Bae's family recently said though Rodman might help melt the chill between the U.S. and North Korea, but they haven't given up hope that Kenneth Bae might find freedom after being held for over ten months. Bae's family said they believe in miracles and Rodman bringing their loved one home would certainly qualify.

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