"Youtubers Also Claim to Reveal My Residence"
Police: "Investigation Stage Before Formal Charges"
An American YouTuber, Johnny Somali, who caused controversy by mocking the Statue of Peace in South Korea, reported to 112 claiming he was being stalked, prompting police to respond.
On the early morning of the 8th, Somali called 112 in Guri-si, Gyeonggi Province, stating, "Someone is trying to attack me," and claimed, "Someone presumed to be a YouTuber chased me, and YouTubers broadcasted the location of my residence in Guri-si." The police arrived at the scene and took necessary safety measures; during this process, no incidents such as someone actually chasing or assaulting Somali occurred.
The police stated, "A stalking report has been received, and the case is currently in the pre-investigation stage before formal registration," adding, "We will comprehensively assess whether this matter constitutes stalking and take appropriate action."
YouTuber Johnny Somali entered the country in September and has been active in South Korea. He live-streamed on YouTube kissing the Statue of Peace or performing obscene dances in front of it. Last month, he also caused public outrage by disrupting business at a convenience store in Mapo-gu by spilling water from a cup of instant noodles onto a table.
Despite public outrage, he conducted a YouTube live broadcast stating he was "not sorry" for his various misbehaviors in Korea and that he would refuse to kneel and apologize if asked. Referring to the comfort women victims during the Japanese colonial period, he said, "It was prostitution. It was voluntary, and they worked legally for money. They earned several times more money than the Japanese military and were wealthy." Additionally, he kissed the face of President Yoon Seok-yeol displayed on a screen, saying, "I love you. You are a great leader," then suddenly changed his attitude, making obscene gestures and sexual harassment remarks toward President Yoon.
On the 28th, it was revealed that Johnny Somali's YouTube channel had been deleted. It is presumed that YouTube removed the account. The channel had about 760 subscribers, and now only a secondary account remains.
Somali has been booked by the Mapo Police Station in Seoul on charges including obstruction of business and is also under travel ban due to additional accusations such as assault and drug-related offenses. On the 6th, he publicly apologized through a broadcast, saying he wanted to apologize to Koreans, but public anger remains strong.
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