Johnny Somali arrives late and hungover to South Korean court, pleads guilty to obstruction charges
Controversial streamer Johnny Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, appeared in a South Korean court on March 7, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to several charges, including Obstruction of Business and two violations of the Minor Crimes Act.
However, the court proceedings were delayed after Ismael arrived an hour late, wearing an oversized suit and a "MAGA" hat, which he was asked to remove multiple times.
According to YouTube legal commentator Legal Mindset, neither Ismael nor his lawyer was aware of an additional obstruction charge, leading to a postponement of the next court hearing until April 9.
Prior to the trial, Ismael attempted to livestream the proceedings on the app Parti, risking contempt of court charges. The night before, he claimed to be negotiating a deal to broadcast the hearing, but his erratic behavior continued as he reportedly became heavily intoxicated, eventually vomiting in his roommate's apartment.
Ismael has been a contentious figure in South Korea, known for disruptive livestreams that have sparked backlash from both citizens and politicians. In one of his most notorious incidents, he kissed the Statue of Peace, a monument dedicated to South Korean victims of wartime sexual slavery. His actions led to strong criticism and were even referenced in an October 2024 parliamentary session.
The obstruction of business charge alone carries a potential five-year prison sentence, meaning Ismael could face up to ten years behind bars if convicted on all counts. Beyond the current legal proceedings, he has also been linked to other allegations, including violations of anti-terrorism laws and public nuisance regulations, which could lead to further charges.
Before arriving in South Korea, Ismael was expelled from Japan for similar conduct.
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