Johnny Somali faces new charges as South Korean hackers track location ahead of trial
Controversial streamer Johnny Somali faces mounting legal troubles in South Korea as hackers track his location.
Controversial streamer Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, has been hit with additional charges in South Korea just days before his trial. Meanwhile, hackers have reportedly tracked his location by analyzing details in his videos.
Somali, known for his disruptive online content, gained notoriety in Israel, Japan, and South Korea in 2024, where his stunts drew widespread criticism. In South Korea, his actions included disrespecting locals and dancing on the Statue of Peace, a memorial dedicated to wartime victims.
According to Legal Mindset, a lawyer and YouTuber closely following the case, Somali was charged on March 4 with a second count of obstruction of business, bringing his total charges to four. He is also facing allegations under minor crimes laws, with further legal action possible. If convicted, each obstruction charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and an $11,000 fine.
Meanwhile, South Korean hackers have reportedly identified Somali’s location by analyzing a brick wall in the background of a recent video. While no immediate action has been taken, hackers claim they will share this information with locals interested in tracking him.
Somali has already faced backlash in South Korea, including a physical confrontation with a former Korean Navy SEAL, which went viral. His legal troubles continue to mount, with allegations of violating anti-terrorism laws, making threats against female streamers, creating AI deepfakes, and spreading North Korean propaganda.
With his trial set to begin on March 7 at the Western District Courthouse in Seoul, the latest developments are expected to bring further scrutiny from authorities and the public.
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YouTuber Somaly arrives late to trial wearing ‘MAGA’ hat amidst controversy
YouTuber Johnny Somaly, who has caused controversy with acts such as kissing the ‘Statue of Peace,’ is raising eyebrows by arriving late to his trial.
On the 7th, Director General Park Ji-won of the Seoul Western District Court held the first hearing for Somaly, who was indicted on charges of obstructing business. The session was originally scheduled to start at 10:10 a.m. but was delayed for an hour, starting around 11:10 a.m., because Somaly arrived late, claiming he had an upset stomach.
On that day, Somaly appeared in a white suit wearing a red hat with the phrase ‘Make America Great Again.’ While the court was conducting an acknowledgment hearing to confirm his date of birth and address, he continued to respond with his hands shoved in his pants pockets.
According to the prosecution, Somaly is accused of obstructing business by playing loud music and spilling instant noodle broth on a table at a convenience store in the Mapo District of Seoul last October. He is also accused of creating discomfort among passersby by carrying a bag of foul-smelling fish on the street and speaking to multiple pedestrians, as well as making a scene by playing loud music and dancing on buses and subways.
Somaly’s lawyer noted, ‘(We) acknowledge the charges related to the three incidents.’ The next hearing is scheduled for the 9th of next month. The court urged Somaly to ‘arrive on time for the next session.’
Min Seo-yeon
Johnny Somali admits to obstruction charges, arrives at court in MAGA hat
Friday
March 7, 2025
Screen capture of Johnny Somali’s video uploaded on Oct. 17, 2024 [SCREEN CAPTURE]
Johnny Somali, whose legal name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, streams with the Japanese Rising Sun Flag displayed on his laptop on Oct. 30, 2024. [SCREEN CAPTURE]
Screen capture of Johnny Somali’s video uploaded on Oct. 9, 2024 [SCREEN CAPTURE]
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