A South Korean court has sentenced an American YouTuber to six months in prison for a series of offensive stunts, including dancing on a statue honouring victims of wartime sexual slavery. The Seoul Western District Court found Ramsey Khalid Ismael, known online as Johnny Somali, guilty of obstruction of business and distributing fabricated sexually explicit content.
Prosecutors had sought a three-year term for the 25-year-old, who also faced charges of harassing staff and visitors at an amusement park, disrupting a convenience store by blasting music and spilling noodles, and causing similar disturbances on public transport. The court noted his actions showed 'severe' disrespect for South Korean law and were aimed at generating YouTube revenue.
In October 2024, Ismael sparked public outrage after posting a video of himself kissing and performing a lap dance on a statue commemorating victims of Japan's military sexual slavery during World War II. He later apologised, claiming ignorance of the monument's significance.
The court ordered his immediate detention, citing a flight risk. Ismael, who had been barred from leaving South Korea pending trial, expressed regret and wished to apologise to the public.
