Johnny Somali faces 31 years in South Korea after new deepfake sex crime charge
Streamer Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, could face up to 31 years in prison in South Korea following a new sex crime charge reported on May 8, 2025. The charge adds to a growing list of legal issues for the American content creator, whose controversial behaviour abroad has repeatedly drawn legal scrutiny.
Ismael, who previously streamed in Japan and Israel, travelled to South Korea in 2024, where his disruptive broadcasts included harassing locals, interrupting businesses, and provoking other streamers. One notable incident led to him being knocked out by a former Korean Navy SEAL, who was later fined for the assault.
Ismael was initially charged for allegedly distributing a deepfake video depicting himself kissing popular Korean streamer BongBong. Legal Mindset, a YouTube lawyer and commentator, reported that a second deepfake charge has now been filed, likely involving additional Korean figures with whom Ismael had online altercations. In South Korea, distributing deepfakes is considered a sex crime, with each count carrying a maximum penalty of 10.5 years.
Combined with a guilty plea to one count of Obstruction of Business—which carries a maximum sentence of five years—Ismael now faces up to 31 years behind bars if convicted on all charges. He also faces another pending charge under the same statute.
Additional allegations against Ismael, including threats to spread HIV, promoting North Korean propaganda, and violating anti-terrorism laws, remain under investigation. As of now, these claims have not resulted in formal charges. The legal proceedings continue as authorities evaluate further actions in response to his activities in South Korea.
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