American Livestreamer, Johnny Somali Faces Prison In South Korea For Offensive Stunts

A controversial American live-streamer, Ramsey Khalid Ismael, known online as “Johnny Somali,” is facing up to five years in prison in South Korea for causing a public disturbance at a convenience store.

The Seoul prosecutors confirmed his indictment, and a departure ban has been imposed, preventing him from leaving the country as authorities investigate further.

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Ismael, 24, has built a reputation for his provocative and offensive video stunts, which have led to bans from multiple social media platforms. He has been accused of harassing locals in various Asian countries to gain views and attention for his online content, which has amassed a modest following across Instagram, TikTok, and Rumble.

Earlier this month, Ismael sparked outrage in South Korea when he was accused of desecrating a monument dedicated to women who were subjected to sexual slavery during World War II. The incident led to online threats from locals, with some even confronting Ismael in the streets. One man was arrested in Seoul for allegedly punching him in the face.

This case highlights the growing frustration in many Asian countries with foreigners exploiting local customs and sensitivities for online fame. In Japan, for instance, several foreign influencers have recently come under fire for disruptive behaviour, including dodging railway fares and engaging in inappropriate actions at cultural sites.

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Ismael’s previous actions in Japan also fueled controversy, including an arrest in Osaka for suspected trespassing and videos where he taunted commuters about the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. His behaviour has raised concerns about the risks of disregarding cultural norms in an increasingly interconnected world.

Sociology professor John Lie from the University of California, Berkeley, noted that Ismael’s actions may serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing social media fame over respect for cultural boundaries. While there may be deeper motivations behind his behaviour, it appears largely driven by a desire to be a social media celebrity.

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