Infamous American Influencer Faces Years in South Korean Prison After Series of Culturally Insensitive Videos

Johnny Somali, a 24-year-old American live-streamer, is facing multiple charges in South Korea after creating a series of culturally insensitive videos.

Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is infamous for his offensive behavior while live-streaming abroad, often harassing locals and mocking cultural symbols.

In South Korea, Somali faces up to 10 years in prison after posting a video in which he kissed and danced next to Seoul's "Statue of Peace," PetaPixel reported. The statue, commemorating Korean women forced into sexual slavery during Japan's colonial rule, holds deep historical significance.

Somali later apologized, claiming ignorance about the monument's meaning, but authorities proceeded with charges and imposed a travel ban on him.

Additionally, Somali has faced backlash for showing a deepfake video of himself kissing South Korean streamer Bongbong, prompting her to file a police complaint. Although she later withdrew it, the South Korean government may prosecute him under new laws banning explicit deepfake content, punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Somali has a record of similar incidents, including mocking Japanese commuters and trespassing on a construction site in Japan, where he was also arrested.

Despite multiple bans on platforms like YouTube, Somali continues to stream on less-moderated sites.