Kim Jong-un to welcome 'VIP guests' from the US

Legendary American basketball star Dennis Rodman is on his way to North Korea, and this information has been confirmed by the spokesman of leader Kim Jong-un.

CNN reported that Dennis Rodman appeared at Beijing International Airport but refused to answer questions about his plans.

Meeting between Kim Jong Un and Dennis Rodman in 2014. (Photo: Reuters)

The move comes as tensions between Pyongyang and Washington escalate, with North Korea currently holding four Americans.

Dennis Rodman last met the head of the Pyongyang government while watching a friendly match between American and North Korean players at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium in January 2014. The match was held to celebrate the birthday of Kim Jong Un, whom Rodman called a friend.

Dennis Rodman (Photo: Reuters)

The former NBA player has visited North Korea at least four times and is one of the few Americans to meet Kim Jong-un.

A senior expert said the North Korean military is just one step away from achieving the ability to launch a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States.

Previously, Mr Rodman described Mr Kim Jong-un as a "very good person".

The US State Department confirmed it knew Rodman was flying to North Korea but insisted he was not there in an official capacity.

Some more pictures of Kim Jong-un and Dennis Rodman:

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

According to Vietnamnet