South Korea Seeks Three-Year Hard Labor Sentence for Johnny Somali Following Courtroom Controversy

Johnny Somali, known off-screen as Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is on the brink of a significant prison sentence as his trial in South Korea nears its conclusion.

His journey took a tumultuous turn in 2024 when he was arrested during trips to Japan and Israel, leading him to South Korea, where his streaming career faced new challenges.

In a series of incidents reminiscent of his previous escapades, Somali found himself in trouble again. His actions included creating disturbances at a 7-Eleven, disrupting public transport, and even broadcasting North Korean propaganda.

Despite pleading guilty to several charges, he attempted to dismiss allegations related to deepfake videos that featured Korean creators, claiming they were unfairly targeted.

On February 27, 2026, Somali returned to court for closing arguments, which only seemed to exacerbate his situation. Legal Mindset, a YouTuber and lawyer, reported that Somali expressed feeling “held captive” in Korea for the past year and a half.

“I did some foolish things under the influence of alcohol, and I realize the consequences. I sincerely apologize for this,” he stated. “Having been born and raised in the United States, I did not realize how serious the consequences of these actions, which would not be illegal in the United States, could be in Korea.”

Somali also raised concerns about the deepfake charges, pointing out that another streamer, Bongbong, had shared similar content without repercussions.

“The law is unfair since the police didn’t do anything when I tried to report Bongbong, and I’m asking for the law to apply it fairly,” he argued. “I’m still young, and I want to see my family and go home. Please show me leniency.”

However, the judge appeared unconvinced by his defense. Following this, the prosecution recommended severe penalties for Somali.

The prosecutor proposed a three-year prison sentence with hard labor, a fine of 150,000 won (approximately $100 USD), and placement on the sex offender registry—an action that could have lasting implications for him upon returning to the United States.

Somali's sentencing is scheduled for April 15, after the judge denied his request for an expedited ruling.

This case highlights a growing trend where streamers worldwide face significant legal repercussions for their on-air behavior. For instance, Vitaly spent nearly 300 days in a Philippine prison due to various offenses including theft and making unwanted advances toward security personnel before being deported back to Russia.

Similarly, Jack Doherty is currently facing up to seven years in prison following a controversial live broadcast that led to charges of resisting arrest and possession of controlled substances.