American YouTuber Johnny Somali, whose real name is Ramzi Khalid Ismail, sparked controversy by kissing the Statue of Peace and engaging in other disruptive behaviors. After receiving a prison sentence in the first trial and being taken into custody, both the prosecution and the defense have appealed the verdict.
According to legal sources on Wednesday, Somali filed an appeal with the Seoul Western District Court on Monday, just five days after the initial ruling. The prosecution confirmed that it also submitted its appeal the following day, on Tuesday.
In the initial trial on April 15, Judge Park Ji-won of the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 1 sentenced Somali to six months in prison and 20 days of detention. The charges included obstruction of business, violations of the Minor Offenses Act, and breaches of laws related to sexual violence crimes, such as distributing false videos. The court also imposed a five-year employment ban at institutions associated with children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities.
The court justified its decision, stating that the defendant committed crimes against numerous individuals to generate revenue through YouTube broadcasts, demonstrating a severe disregard for domestic law and order. Following the sentencing, the court issued an arrest warrant, resulting in Somali’s immediate detention.
Somali is accused of disrupting rides at Lotte World in Seoul’s Songpa District and causing a disturbance at a convenience store in Mapo District, where he allegedly spilled instant noodle soup on an employee, obstructing business operations.
Additional charges include repeatedly causing public disturbances and producing and distributing manipulated obscene videos. In the first trial, the prosecution sought a three-year prison sentence and a fine of 150,000 KRW (approximately 102 USD).
Somali’s appeal trial is scheduled to take place at the Seoul Western District Court.