N.K. leader enjoys opulent lifestyle, Rodman says

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un enjoys a luxurious life with seven-star accommodations, parties and a yacht, U.K. media reported.

Rodman, who made his second visit to the communist country for seven days in September, provided a glimpse of the private island where he and his “friend” Kim spent most of their time horse-riding, jet skiing and drinking on a 60-meter yacht.

“It’s like going to Hawaii or Ibiza, but he’s the only one that lives there,” the 52-year-old retired basketball player said in an interview with The Sun.

“He likes people to be happy around him. He’s got 50 to 60 around him all the time ― just normal people, drinking cocktails and laughing the whole time.”

Rodman added that Kim’s private island had seven-star facilities that could impress the world’s wealthiest people.

North Korea’s imports of luxury goods have soared under the current leader, reaching $645.8 million in 2012, more than double the average $300 million a year under his late father Kim Jong-il, according to data from ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun.

The report showed the most noticeable surge was found in imports of high-end liquors and electric appliances.

North Korea’s authoritarian leader, known to be a big fan of basketball, first invited the former Chicago Bulls player in late February. They watched an exhibition basketball game, and then later drank and dined together in Pyongyang.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)