NBA YoungBoy Permanently Relocates to South Korea, Says He’ll “Never” Return to U.S.

NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, has permanently relocated from the United States to South Korea.

The 26-year-old rapper discussed the move during an Aug. 11 appearance on Funny Marco’s “Open Thoughts” podcast. Asked why he chose South Korea, Gaulden said he wanted to live somewhere “out the way” and cited the country’s safety and cleanliness.

Gaulden said he does not expect to return to the United States, responding “never in life” when asked whether he could see himself moving back. He acknowledged that his 13 children remain his top priority and said air travel would allow him to maintain contact with them.

The move follows a period of legal troubles in the United States. Gaulden was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison in December 2024 on weapons-related charges and was released in March 2025 after receiving credit for time served, according to The Associated Press. He was later ordered to serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement.

President Donald Trump pardoned Gaulden in May 2025. After receiving the pardon, the rapper thanked Trump for giving him the opportunity to continue building his life as a father and artist.