A controversial American live-streamer is facing the prospect of prison in South Korea for his offensive antics, in a case that is shining a light on the rise of so-called “nuisance influencers” seeking clicks overseas.

Ramsey Khalid Ismael, 24, commonly known by his online alias, “Johnny Somali,” has been indicted of causing a “commotion” at a convenience store, Seoul prosecutors confirmed to CNN. If convicted he faces up to five years in prison.

A departure ban has also been placed on Ismael, preventing him from leaving the country while authorities continue their investigation, CNN affiliate MBC News reported.

CNN has reached out to Ismael for comment. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

  • Flying Squid
    27•1 month ago

    Earlier this month, Ismael posted an online apology after he was accused of desecrating a South Korean monument to women subjected to sexual slavery in World War II, causing widespread outrage in the country.

    Angry locals threatened reprisals against the live-streamer in online posts following the incident. Footage subsequently broadcast by CNN affiliate JTBC showed Ismael being kicked as a group of people followed him. Separately, a man was arrested in Seoul last month for allegedly punching Ismael in the face, the Yonhap News Agency reported. Seoul police declined to comment.

    I hope the judge not only decides the guy at the end is innocent, but gives him a fucking medal.

    The amount of colossal privilege you must think you have to think you can just desecrate a memorial to rape victims…

    • @[email protected]
      6•1 month ago

      This guy isn’t getting out of Korea intact. Koreans are the least pussy culture when it comes to condoning vindictive violence. He’s gonna catch a life-altering beating in SK before this is over.