Former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman and an interpreter look on during a basketball practice session in Pyongyang, North Korea on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.
U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman has arrived in Beijing after a trip to North Korea that did not include a meeting with leader Kim Jong Un.
The former National Basketball Association player said he was not disappointed, telling a reporter Monday, "I'm not worried about it. I'll see him again."
Rodman was in Pyongyang to train local basketball players for an exhibition game next month to mark the North Korean leader's birthday.
During past visits, the eccentric Rodman has held extended personal meetings with Mr. Kim, whom he has called a "friend for life" and a "good guy." Rodman is the highest-profile American reported to have met the North Korean leader.
The U.S. State Department has said Rodman does not represent the U.S. government in any way.
Rodman has said he hopes his trips can help convince U.S. President Barack Obama to engage with North Korean leaders, who last year spent weeks threatening a nuclear attack against American targets.
The basketball star has been criticized by many for refusing to bring up human rights abuses with the North Korean government, among the most oppressive in the world.
Dennis Rodman Returns from North Korea Visit
1/6Dennis Rodman speaks to the media after returning from his trip to North Korea at Beijing airport, China, Dec. 23, 2013.
U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, but this time he did not meet with leader Kim Jong Un.
2/6Dennis Rodman poses for pictures with North Korean basketball players and government officials during a practice session in Pyongyang, Dec. 20, 2013.
U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, but this time he did not meet with leader Kim Jong Un.
3/6Dennis Rodman plays one-on-one with a North Korean player during a basketball practice session in Pyongyang, Dec. 20, 2013.
U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, but this time he did not meet with leader Kim Jong Un.
4/6Dennis Rodman disembarks from a flight from Beijing as he and his entourage arrive at the international airport in Pyongyang, Dec. 19, 2013.
U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, but this time he did not meet with leader Kim Jong Un.
5/6Dennis Rodman walks with Vice Minister of North Korea's Sports Ministry, Son Kwang Ho, as Rodman arrives at the international airport in Pyongyang, Dec. 19, 2013.
U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, but this time he did not meet with leader Kim Jong Un.
6/6Dennis Rodman arrives at the capital airport in Beijing, on his way to North Korea, Dec. 19, 2013.
U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman visited North Korea again, but this time he did not meet with leader Kim Jong Un.
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