Controversial livestreamer Johnny Somali, known for his IRL antics, is facing trial in South Korea following his indictment on charges of disrupting business at a convenience store. Reports from Korean media, including Korea JoongAng Daily, indicate that Johnny, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, was formally charged after an October 17 incident at a local 7-Eleven, where he allegedly caused a chaotic disturbance that violated South Korea’s obstruction of business laws.
The American content creator first gained notoriety for previous incidents in Japan, where he harassed locals and disrupted public spaces, eventually leading to his deportation. After relocating to South Korea in September 2024, Johnny quickly drew attention and criticism for his disruptive behavior, beginning with a subway altercation and a controversial video involving the Statue of Peace—a memorial dedicated to victims of wartime sexual slavery. His interaction with the memorial sparked outrage across South Korea, with the streamer publicly apologizing after the backlash. However, he may still face legal repercussions related to the memorial incident, adding to the charges he now faces.
The primary charge against Johnny Somali, obstruction of business, stems from his livestreamed behavior at a Seoul 7-Eleven store. During the stream, he played loud music, spilled ramen intentionally, threw noodles at the wall, and directed sexist slurs toward a female employee. Clips of the scene quickly circulated on social media, causing further public outrage. In South Korea, obstruction of business can carry severe consequences, including up to five years of imprisonment. While Somali is not detained as he awaits trial, authorities have restricted his travel, preventing him from leaving the country.
Reports indicate that the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office officially indicted Somali on November 12. Police transferred him to the court’s jurisdiction on November 13, suggesting he is currently in judicial custody. In addition to the obstruction of business charge, Somali faces potential legal action for alleged drug use, a serious crime in South Korea that could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years if convicted.
The content creator has amassed a reputation for causing public disturbances and insulting local cultures under the guise of “documenting” foreign countries. His actions in South Korea, however, have prompted a direct response from local citizens and creators, some of whom have confronted and even assaulted Somali during his livestreams as an expression of their disapproval. While he recently apologized for the Statue of Peace incident, many South Koreans remain skeptical about his sincerity, given his history of disregard for local customs and laws.
Johnny Somali is also under scrutiny for his use of AI-generated deepfake content involving an “AI girlfriend,” which could bring additional charges under South Korea’s strict laws against sexual deepfakes. If prosecuted for possessing or distributing explicit deepfake content, he could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of around $22,000 USD.
This latest indictment marks a significant escalation in Johnny Somali’s legal troubles as he now faces potential prison time and heavy fines. His trial is anticipated to shine a light on the consequences for foreign influencers whose behaviors are deemed offensive or illegal in their host countries. If convicted, Johnny Somali could face a substantial prison sentence, marking a turning point in the legal treatment of foreign livestreamers who push boundaries to gain online attention.