(CNN) -- Dennis Rodman, the former NBA star and the first American known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was in the secretive country again this past week, purportedly to meet his "friend Kim, the Marshal" and perhaps also, to negotiate for the release of Kenneth Bae, a U.S. citizen detained since November. Rodman's second trip to North Korea this year comes months after months of threats of nuclear annihilation from Pyongyang. His desire to help Bae is likely to be registered in the annals of diplomatic history as little more than a little diverting adventure. But one never knows. The "Marshal," who has actually never served in the military, might choose to act in a statesmanlike manner and release Bae after another high-spirited soiree with the basketball legend. That would be good news for Bae, who is reportedly in poor health.
@highlight
Dennis Rodman was in North Korea purportedly trying to negotiate release of a U.S. detainee
@highlight
Sung-Yoon Lee: In the annals of diplomatic history, this may well be a little blip
@highlight
He says Kim Jong Un's courting of Rodman is equivalent to his enjoyment of Disney
@highlight
Lee: Despite displays of theatrics, don't forget North Korea's crimes against humanity
Such a dramatic gesture of goodwill by the reclusive leader would achieve the effect of adding insult to the United States in light of @placeholder's recent cancellation of an invitation to the U.S. special envoy on North Korean human rights issues.