American YouTuber Who Insulted Statue of Peace Apologizes and Expresses Remorse at First Appeal Hearing

Both Prosecution and Defendant Appeal First Trial Verdict
Somali Apologizes Sincerely, Pleads for Leniency from the Court

American YouTuber Johnny Somali (real name: Ramzy Khalid Ismael), who was sentenced to prison and taken into custody in the first trial for acts including insulting the 'Statue of Peace,' faced the prosecution’s call for the same three-year prison sentence as the original trial during his appeal hearing.

The Criminal Appeals Division 1 of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Ban Jeongwoo) held an appellate trial on June 11, addressing charges such as obstruction of work, violation of the Misdemeanor Punishment Act, and violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes against Johnny Somali.

American YouTuber Johnny Somali, who has caused controversy by kissing the "Statue of Peace," is responding to reporters' questions as he attends the first trial sentencing held on the 15th at the Seoul Western District Court. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This appellate hearing was held because both the prosecution and the defendant appealed the first trial’s verdict. Previously, the first trial court found Somali guilty on all charges, sentencing him to six months in prison and 20 days of detention, and ordered him into custody due to concerns he might flee. At the time, prosecutors had requested three years in prison and a fine of 150,000 won.

On this day, the prosecution stated, "The defendant committed multiple offenses for the purpose of financial gain, and most victims have not been compensated," and requested the court to dismiss Somali’s appeal and uphold the original sentence.

In the closing argument, Somali’s attorney said, "The defendant fully acknowledges the facts of the crimes recognized by the lower court and deeply repents," adding, "The degree of obstruction of work was relatively minor, and the victims in the case involving the distribution of false videos do not wish for punishment," and appealed for leniency.

The lawyer continued, "The defendant was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was taking medication while in the United States, but has been unable to continue since entering Korea," and added, "He did not gain any special financial benefit from this incident and has promised not to repeat such actions." The defense asked the court to consider these factors during sentencing.

Previously, on September 30, 2024, Somali was indicted for causing a disturbance at Lotte World by making noise, hitting his head, and shouting during a live broadcast, thereby obstructing staff from operating rides.

He also faces an additional charge for obstructing the work at a convenience store in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on October 10 of the same year, where he was accused of cursing and dancing inside the store.

On April 15, the first trial court sentenced Somali to six months in prison and 20 days of detention. It also imposed a five-year restriction on employment at institutions related to children, adolescents, and people with disabilities, and ordered the confiscation of two mobile phones used in the crimes.

The appellate court’s verdict for Somali is scheduled to be delivered on the 25th.

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