'Urban Disturbances' YouTuber Johnny Somali Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison, Taken Into Custody After First Trial Verdict

Charged with Distribution of False Videos and Obstruction of Business

American YouTuber Johnny Somali (real name: Ramzi Khalid Ismael), who was put on trial for a series of disruptive incidents—including kissing the "Statue of Peace," causing disturbances on public transportation and at convenience stores—was sentenced to prison and taken into custody at his first trial.

American YouTuber Johnny Somali, who has caused controversy by kissing the "Statue of Peace," is answering reporters' questions while attending the first trial sentencing at the Seoul Western District Court on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the morning of April 15, Presiding Judge Park Ji-won of the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 1 sentenced Ramzi (26), who was charged with obstruction of business, violation of the Misdemeanor Punishment Act, and distribution of false video materials under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, to six months in prison and 20 days of detention. The court also ordered a five-year employment restriction at institutions related to children, teenagers, and people with disabilities, and ordered the confiscation of two mobile phones.

Judge Park stated, "The defendant repeatedly committed these acts against an unspecified number of victims in order to profit from YouTube broadcasts. The extent to which he disregarded the rule of law is severe, as he even broadcasted the incidents live while committing the crimes." He continued, "Although it appears the defendant has suffered disadvantages, such as being banned from leaving the country and unable to return home for an extended period, the court also considered the risk that similar offenses could be incited in the future."

Ramzi was accused of playing loud music and spilling cup noodle soup on a table at a convenience store in Mapo-gu, Seoul, in October 2024, thereby interfering with business operations. During the same month, he allegedly caused discomfort by approaching pedestrians on the street with a bag of foul-smelling fish and created disturbances on buses and subways.

He also faced charges of causing a disturbance at Lotte World in Songpa-gu, Seoul, while streaming live and obstructing guests from boarding amusement rides, as well as distributing obscene videos online by digitally combining the faces of men and women. Additionally, he was known for his eccentric behavior, such as kissing the "Statue of Peace" during a live broadcast.

Previously, at the sentencing hearing on February 27, the prosecution requested that the court sentence Ramzi to three years in prison and a fine of 150,000 won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.