Beijing (CNN) -- Eccentric basketball star Dennis Rodman and several other former NBA players have arrived in North Korea to take part in a controversial basketball game on the birthday of Kim Jong-Un, the country's young, unpredictable leader.
The friendly contest is planned for Wednesday, when Kim is believed to turn 31, and features a number of NBA old-timers.
It takes place just weeks after North Korea shocked the world by announcing the purge and execution of Kim's once-powerful uncle.