Johnny Somali shouldn't be smiling.

Read why that smirk on his face isnt justified.

Johnny Somali’s (real name Ramsey Khalid Ismail) path of controversy and criminal behavior has left a distinct trail through several countries, including Thailand, Japan, and Israel. Known for not only pushing boundaries through provocative livestreams but outright committing crimes and filming them. His actions have generated public outrage, legal consequences, and a strong backlash in each country he has visited. Most recently, his controversial presence has arrived in South Korea, where citizens have reacted with significant opposition, calling for stringent legal action.

In this discussion, we will examine his alleged crimes in each country in detail. From his initial disturbances in Thailand, where his actions disrupted local customs, to his inflammatory and legally questionable activities in Japan, which led to repeated arrests and heightened public outcry, we’ll explore the specifics of his behavior and its repercussions. We will also cover his actions in Israel, where his provocations included disrespect toward sensitive historical contexts, further escalating international condemnation.

Finally, we’ll address his arrival in South Korea, where his conduct has prompted a particularly strong response from the public and raised urgent calls for legal intervention. This analysis will delve into the broader implications of his actions and consider how each country’s cultural and legal frameworks shape their response to such conduct.

Johnny Somali’s trajectory as a controversial online figure reportedly began under the influence of another notorious streamer, Suspendas, who has been known to promote disruptive and antagonistic behavior for views. In Thailand, Suspendas allegedly mentored Johnny Somali, explicitly advising him on how to become a “nuisance streamer” by harassing others and filming prohibited or illegal activities. Together, the two engaged in behavior that quickly escalated, with both showing blatant disrespect toward local citizens. Their actions eventually provoked a severe backlash, even leading to a physical assault after they harassed locals in one encounter.

Suspendas’s own track record has raised serious concerns. After leaving Thailand, he continued his disruptive antics in Japan, where he is accused of committing sexual assault against a Japanese woman during a livestream in a karaoke bar. This accusation has intensified condemnation both within Japan and internationally, with many viewers and critics pointing to these incidents as evidence of Suspendas’s harmful influence on Johnny Somali.

In addition to his activities in Thailand and Japan, Suspendas is also known to travel to South Korea for livestreaming, where local communities and authorities are well aware of his reputation. As a mentor, he has evidently set a troubling example for Johnny Somali, encouraging him to engage in similar disruptive behavior in each country he visits, often breaking local laws or disregarding social customs for the sake of online notoriety.

The influence of figures like Suspendas, who not only disregard cultural boundaries but also encourage lawbreaking and the harassment of others, underscores the risks involved when livestreaming ventures into such unethical territory. As Johnny Somali brings this behavior into South Korea, the strong public backlash demonstrates a growing intolerance for such actions and a call for accountability. This situation highlights the pressing need for ethical guidelines and legal enforcement in the online world, especially for influencers who traverse international cultures where respect and decorum are expected.

His inflammatory statements, such as “I like to be evil, I just don’t like to be good,” “I hate Asians,” and “I want to start a race war,” demonstrate a deliberate attempt to provoke and incite, showcasing not only his disregard for cultural sensitivities but also his intention to create division and hostility. His statements about wanting “Asians to be exterminated” reveal a deep-seated animosity and an intent to stir racial hatred, sentiments that South Korean society does not tolerate, especially when directed against their own people and history.

Johnny Somali’s actions have particularly outraged South Koreans due to his use of the Comfort Women issue—a sensitive historical topic between South Korea and Japan. The Comfort Women statues, which often depict young girls, symbolize the suffering endured by thousands of Korean women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery by the His calculated attempt to invoke this issue, reportedly in hopes of sparking an online feud between Koreans and Japanese, has deeply insulted both nations. However, rather than falling into his trap, Koreans and Japanese observers have recognized his intentions and chosen to reject his attempts to stoke racial tension. Despite this, the public outcry in Korea has been intense, with widespread calls for action against him.

The legal implications for Johnny in South Korea are considerable. South Korea’s “Act on the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Sexual Abuse” strictly protects minors from exploitation and obscenity, even in symbolic representations. Since the Comfort Women statue he denigrated represents a young girl, his actions could potentially fall under this law’s provisions. Article 11 of the act addresses the production, distribution, or public display of child and youth exploitation material and forbids any actions that degrade or exploit minors, even in representations. By disparaging a symbol representing a minor child who suffered sexual exploitation, Johnny could be seen as violating these laws, particularly given that his behavior included hate speech aimed at instigating racial conflict.

Moreover, his rhetoric, especially phrases like “I hate Asians” and “I want to start a race war,” aligns with South Korea's anti-hate speech standards. Such statements are not only inflammatory but could be interpreted as incitement to violence or racial hatred, both of which have legal consequences under South Korean law. Indeed, as we can see from his behavior in Thailand, Korea and Japan, Johnny really is an anti-Asian racist.

When Johnny Somali first desecrated the Comfort Women statue, I personally confronted him and his associate, Hank Yoo, on their livestream. I left a comment but instead of taking my words seriously, they read my comment aloud but chose to mock it, laughing off advice to stop their bad behavior and to stop trying to cause fights between Koreans and Japanese. Their response made it clear that they were fully aware of the impact of their actions yet chose to disregard it, revelling in the provocation and attention. (At this stage I started reporting all their behavior to the Korean Cyber Police.)

This incident showed me firsthand that Johnny’s subsequent claim of ignorance about the Comfort Women issue is nothing more than a fabrication. He wasn’t uninformed; he was enjoying it. Not only had he and Hank Yoo dismissed my attempt to educate them, but Johnny later escalated his disrespect by mocking a second Comfort Women statue, further proving that his actions were premeditated and malicious rather than accidental.

Johnny Somali’s actions in South Korea have led to a range of legal consequences, including drug and assault charges, as well as a lawsuit concerning a deepfake image involving a Korean streamer named Bongbong. Given the seriousness of these allegations, Korean authorities have reportedly banned him from leaving the country, underscoring the gravity of the legal issues he now faces. Let’s examine each charge and the potential penalties he could encounter under South Korean law.

Drug Charges

South Korea has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. The country enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal drug use, with harsh penalties even for foreigners. Under South Korean law, illegal drug use, possession, or trafficking can lead to severe punishment, including imprisonment, deportation, and hefty fines. For foreigners, even a single instance of drug use can result in a criminal record, a prison sentence, and immediate deportation after serving the sentence.

For drug use specifically, penalties typically involve:

• Imprisonment: A sentence for drug use alone can range from up to five years in prison for minor offenses to life imprisonment for more serious cases involving trafficking or repeated violations.

• Fines: In cases of drug possession or minor use, fines can be imposed, often amounting to millions of Korean won (the exact amount depending on the case).

Foreigners convicted of drug offenses in South Korea are often deported after completing their sentences, and they may also face bans from re-entering the country. Given the country’s strict stance, Johnny Somali’s drug charges could lead to a lengthy prison sentence if he is found guilty.

Assault Charges

Assault in South Korea is also taken seriously, with penalties varying based on the severity of the offense and whether injuries were inflicted. South Korean criminal law divides assault into simple assault and aggravated assault, with different penalties for each.

• Simple Assault: This includes minor physical altercations without significant injury. Penalties for simple assault can include up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 5 million Korean won (approximately $4,000 USD).

• Aggravated Assault: If the assault results in injury or involves a weapon, the penalties are much stricter. Aggravated assault can result in up to ten years in prison, especially if there is evidence of premeditation or severe harm to the victim.

If Johnny Somali is convicted of assault, his penalties could vary widely depending on the circumstances of the incident. However, given his history of provocations and public confrontations, it is likely that authorities will not be lenient.

Deepfake and Sexual Offenses

One of the most significant allegations Johnny faces involves a deepfake image he allegedly created, depicting a Korean streamer, Bongbong, in a fabricated kissing scene with him. Bongbong initially sued him for creating this deepfake, but later attempted to retract the allegation. However, under South Korean law, crimes related to sexual offenses cannot be retracted once filed, particularly if they involve digital sex crimes or violations of privacy.

South Korea’s laws concerning digital sex crimes are very stringent, especially in response to a growing awareness of issues like cyber harassment, illegal filming, and deepfake imagery. Under Article 14 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, making or distributing digitally manipulated images (including deepfakes) without consent is considered a serious offense.

For deepfake-related offenses:

• Imprisonment: Individuals found guilty of creating or distributing non-consensual deepfake images can face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million Korean won (approximately $40,000 USD).

• Further Penalties: If the deepfake image is deemed obscene or distributed widely, penalties can be more severe, including longer prison sentences and potentially additional charges related to digital sexual harassment.

Since Bongbong’s lawsuit concerns a non-consensual sexual depiction of herself, it is treated as a sex crime under South Korean law. Once such charges are filed police may still wish to proceed with the charges even if retracted by victim (as she has done). This reflects South Korea's approach to protecting individuals from digital sexual exploitation and ensuring accountability, even if the victim later decides not to pursue the case.

Summary of Legal Consequences

Johnny Somali is now entangled in multiple serious legal issues in South Korea. With the ban on exiting the country, he faces a long legal process, with each charge carrying substantial penalties. The drug and assault charges alone could lead to years of imprisonment, hefty fines, and potential deportation. However, the deepfake case presents a particularly challenging situation for him, as it falls under the category of sexual crimes, meaning the legal process will continue regardless of Bongbong’s retraction.

In summary, Johnny faces:

• Potential prison time for drug use, with sentences potentially up to five years or more, depending on the specifics.

• Prison time and/or fines for assault, which could range from two years for simple assault to ten years if the case is considered aggravated.

• Up to five years in prison and significant fines for the deepfake offense, due to South Korea’s strict laws on digital sexual crimes.

Given the nature of these charges and the public sentiment surrounding his actions, it is likely that Johnny will face a rigorous judicial process, with the possibility of severe penalties if convicted. South Korean authorities appear determined to uphold the country's legal standards, especially concerning public order, respect for personal dignity, and the protection of individuals from digital exploitation.

Interfering with a Business

Under Article 314 of the South Korean Criminal Act, interfering with a business is considered a serious offense. This crime involves obstructing the normal operation of a business or preventing people from entering or conducting business activities, whether through force, threat, or other forms of harassment. Johnny’s disruptive actions, likely aimed at drawing attention to himself at the expense of local businesses, have led to him being sued on these grounds.

The penalties for business interference in South Korea are as follows:

• Imprisonment: A conviction for business interference can result in up to five years of imprisonment.

• Fines: Alternatively, or in conjunction with imprisonment, offenders may be fined up to 15 million Korean won (approximately $11,000 USD).

If Johnny Somali’s actions are deemed to have caused significant disruption or financial damage to a business, the court could impose a combination of both imprisonment and fines. His confrontational behavior, especially in public spaces and businesses, could likely be used to demonstrate intentional interference with the regular operations of those establishments.

Playing Pornographic Material on Public Transport

One of Johnny’s more notorious actions involved playing pornographic material on the subway, which is illegal in South Korea on multiple grounds. South Korea has strict laws regarding the access, possession, and distribution of obscene materials, and the country also enforces specific regulations for public transport under its Railroad Safety Act. This act ensures the safety, security, and order of public transportation, and Johnny’s actions violated these provisions by creating an uncomfortable and potentially disturbing environment for other passengers.

1. Illegality of Accessing Obscene Material: Under the Information and Communications Network Act, it is illegal to access, display, or distribute obscene content in public spaces. South Korean law takes a stringent approach toward obscene material, particularly when it is shown in settings where minors or unwilling viewers may be present. Accessing or broadcasting obscene content in public is punishable by:

o Imprisonment: Offenders can face up to one year in prison.

o Fines: A fine of up to 10 million Korean won (around $7,500 USD) may also be imposed.

2. Violation of Railroad Safety Laws: Broadcasting explicit content on a subway not only constitutes a public disturbance but also violates the Railroad Safety Act. This act includes provisions that protect passengers from disturbances and ensure a safe and orderly environment on public transportation. Violations related to disturbing the peace on public transportation can lead to:

o Imprisonment: Penalties may include up to two years of imprisonment.

o Fines: Alternatively, offenders may be fined up to 20 million Korean won (approximately $15,000 USD).

By playing obscene material in such a setting, Johnny Somali may face combined penalties under both the Information and Communications Network Act and the Railroad Safety Act, with authorities likely to impose harsher penalties due to the public nature of his offense.

Incitement to Violence and Anti-Terrorism Implications

One of Johnny’s most extreme actions has been his repeated public calls for “Asian genocide” and his statements about wanting to “start a race war.” These inflammatory and racially charged statements could potentially be prosecuted under South Korea’s anti-terrorism laws and laws against incitement to violence. South Korea’s Act on the Prevention of Terrorism for the Protection of Citizens and Public Security includes provisions that allow authorities to take action against individuals who incite violence, spread hate speech, or encourage acts of terror.

• Anti-Terrorism Laws: Under South Korea’s anti-terrorism laws, incitement to violence, particularly if it involves racial hatred or threats against public safety, can be considered a terrorist act. Penalties for incitement under anti-terrorism statutes can be severe:

o Imprisonment: Those found guilty of incitement under anti-terrorism laws can face up to seven years in prison.

o Enhanced Penalties: If authorities determine that Johnny’s statements posed a legitimate threat to public safety or were made with the intent to incite public violence, he could face additional penalties, including asset seizure and restrictions on communication.

• Incitement to Violence: South Korean criminal law also includes general provisions against incitement to violence under Article 114 of the Criminal Act. If his statements are deemed to have intended to provoke violence or racial hatred, Johnny could face:

o Imprisonment: Up to three years in prison.

o Fines: Alternatively, fines may be imposed depending on the nature and reach of the incitement.

Given the gravity of Johnny’s statements and his blatant disregard for the cultural and societal impact of his words, authorities may pursue charges under both anti-terrorism and incitement statutes. South Korea takes a firm stance against racial hatred and threats to public order, especially when such statements could inspire or encourage violence.

Johnny Somali’s insincere apology has only fueled public anger in South Korea, leading to a swift backlash and even a petition to expedite his sentencing. This public reaction reflects a cultural intolerance for mock apologies and an expectation of genuine remorse, particularly when it comes to issues as sensitive as racial incitement and the desecration of historical symbols like the Comfort Women statues. While many westerners may not fully understand South Korea’s judicial approach, it operates quite differently from legal systems in other parts of the world, sharing some procedural similarities with Japan.

In South Korea, individuals like Johnny may not be immediately imprisoned after their initial arrest, even if their offenses are severe. The Korean legal system often employs a strategy of allowing offenders to continue their behavior—essentially “giving them enough rope to hang themselves.” This method allows the police and prosecutors to gather substantial evidence, not only of the crime itself but also of the offender’s continued lack of remorse and defiance of social norms. This approach is particularly effective in cases involving repeat provocations or ongoing public offenses, as it provides authorities with ample evidence of an individual’s unwillingness to change or comply with societal expectations.

For Johnny, this means that by the time his case reaches court, the evidence amassed will likely paint a comprehensive picture of his persistent disregard for Korean laws and values. In a system that prizes public order and respect for cultural norms, Johnny’s continued provocations—despite multiple warnings and public backlash—will likely weigh heavily against him. In cases like his, where repeated offenses demonstrate an unrepentant attitude, the verdict is rarely favorable for the offender.

Johnny’s transgressions have now spanned multiple countries. Thailand was the first nation where his actions attracted negative attention, as he disrespected local customs and was involved in disruptive incidents. Japan was the second, where he escalated his provocations and faced arrests for public order violations. Israel was the third, where his conduct continued to raise international condemnation. Yet, despite these repeated confrontations with the law, Johnny has shown no sign of repentance, moving instead to South Korea, where he has now become embroiled in a long list of legal issues. In a poetic twist, Korea marks the fourth country where his provocations have led to serious consequences.

The significance of this is not lost on locals familiar with East Asian linguistic and cultural symbolism. In Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, the number four ( the character四 in Chinese is pronounced the same as 死 in Korean, Chinese and Japanese) is often associated with death, given the similarity in pronunciation. This cultural nuance adds a symbolic layer to Johnny’s current predicament; his fourth encounter with the law in East Asia may very well mark the “death” of his freedom, reputation, or even his freedom to continue his disruptive behavior. For a person who has courted outrage and defied cultural respect across multiple countries, South Korea may indeed be the place where he faces the full consequences of his actions, an ending that some may see as both fitting and inevitable. He may have wanted to stoke animosity between Korea and Japan, but in the end, he has succeeded only in causing more solidarity in Asia.

Further Notes: Johnny’s passport was about to expire and he applied for reissue of his passport to the American Embassy in Seoul. Despite having a criminal record in Japan, the Embassy thought it would be appropriate to give him another passport…which seems to defy basic logic and procedure for issue of passports.

The crimes covered here are also just one tiny section of his total crimes which also include sexual harassment of Korean women along with his friend Jino, who fled the country at the first available opportunity. Hopefully when Johnny is sentenced, Jino may be subject to extradition.

(Thank you for reading. Let’s hope Johnny gets what he deserves. If you enjoyed the article and like reading about Asian history then why not check out my book on Yasuke, based on primary historical documents. Available in English and Japanese)