American YouTuber and streamer Johnny Somali, also known as Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is facing up to 10 years in prison in South Korea after a controversial video captured him posing and kissing a statue dedicated to Korean women victimized during Japan’s occupation. The incident, which took place at the Changdong History and Culture Park in Seoul, has sparked widespread outrage across Korea.
In the video, posted on October 9, Somali was seen kissing the Statue of Peace in Itaewon, a memorial honoring the Korean women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military from 1910 to 1945. His actions have been widely condemned as disrespectful, with Korean nationals and others criticizing the display as culturally insensitive.
Following the backlash, Somali issued a public apology, acknowledging his lack of awareness about the statue’s significance. “I didn’t understand the significance of the statue. I made a mistake, and I apologize to Koreans. I will no longer talk about or touch it again,” he stated. However, his apology may not prevent legal consequences, as he could still face up to a decade in prison if convicted.
In a related case, Somali has also been charged with creating a disturbance at a Seoul convenience store after a confrontation with an employee. Authorities have since imposed a travel ban, preventing him from leaving South Korea as both cases proceed through the legal system.