Johnny Somali, a controversial YouTuber and Twitch streamer, has been indicted in South Korea for causing a disturbance at a convenience store, prosecutors confirmed. According to SCMP, Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is now facing a travel ban and currently prohibited from leaving the country while the case is ongoing.
The indictment stems from an October 17 incident when Somali confronted a store employee after being told not to drink alcohol inside the store. Prosecutors allege he also made sexist remarks towards the employee during the altercation. It is currently not known how long Somali will be held in South Korea before he is allowed to return to the United States.
Known for his provocative antics, Somali has drawn widespread criticism in South Korea for actions deemed deeply disrespectful in the community. One of his most controversial stunts involved twerking and kissing a statue honouring Korean victims of wartime sexual slavery, referred to as “comfort women,” under Japanese occupation. The act, captured in a now-deleted YouTube video, sparked public outrage and condemnation. Somali later issued an apology, claiming ignorance of the statue’s significance.
“I want to apologise to the Korean people. I was not aware of the significance of the statue. It was just entertainment for my audience,” he stated in a video posted online. Despite that, viewers are sceptical of Somali’s true intentions and whether or not there was actual remorse as various controversial photos and videos remain on his social media accounts.
Somali’s controversies extend beyond South Korea. In Japan, he faced backlash for mocking subway commuters with references to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the two cities devastated by U.S. nuclear bombs during World War II.
The streamer’s behavior has led to intense public scrutiny and criticism in both nations, highlighting the challenges of regulating online content creators who blur the lines between entertainment and cultural insensitivity.
Photo by SCMP
