American YouTuber Johnny Somali Receives Prison Sentence Again on Appeal for 'Insulting the Statue of Peace'

Both Defendant's and Prosecution's Appeals Dismissed
Six-Month Prison Sentence Upheld

American YouTuber Johnny Somali (real name: Ramzy Khalid Ismail), who was brought to trial for a series of disturbances—including kissing the Statue of Peace and causing trouble on public transportation and at convenience stores—has received a prison sentence in his second trial as well.

On June 25, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Ban Jung-woo) dismissed both Somali's and the prosecution's appeals, upholding the original sentence of six months in prison for charges including obstruction of business, violations of the Minor Offenses Act, and the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

American YouTuber Johnny Somali, who has sparked controversy by kissing the "Statue of Peace," is responding to reporters' questions while attending the first trial verdict at the Seoul Western District Court on April 15. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the sentencing, the court stated, "The defendant argued that the sentence was excessively heavy, while the prosecution claimed it was too light. However, considering all factors, the sentence handed down by the court of first instance did not exceed an appropriate range."

Somali was indicted for disrupting work at a convenience store in Mapo-gu, Seoul, in October 2024 by playing loud music and spilling instant noodle soup on a table. He was also charged with causing disturbances on buses, subways, and at Lotte World, as well as broadcasting obscene videos online that combined the faces of men and women.

Somali became a subject of public outrage for acts of insult such as kissing the Statue of Peace, which commemorates victims of wartime sexual slavery. However, his actions involving the statue were not included in the charges in this case.

During the first trial, Somali pleaded, "I miss my family back in my home country very much," and admitted, "I made a big mistake and recognize I must take responsibility, but I am still young and wish for a chance to start over." However, his appeal was not accepted.

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

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