"Giving Up on Returning to the US"... YouTuber Who Insulted the 'Comfort Woman Statue' Provokes Korean-American Gangsters

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American YouTuber Johnny Somaly (24), who caused controversy in South Korea by engaging in provocative acts such as kissing the Statue of Peace, is reportedly being targeted for retaliation by Korean-American gangs. On the 21st, a video was posted on the overseas Korean network 'bada' showing Korean-American gang members delivering warning messages to Somaly.

A Korean-American man who identified himself as a gangster is warning Somali. (Left) American YouTuber Johnny Somali is showing the Rising Sun flag. Overseas Korean network 'bada'/YouTube

In the video, a Korean-American man identified as Gang Member A warned Somaly, "You have angered the wrong people. You better forget about returning to the United States," adding, "We want your life and those of your associates. The same goes for your family." Another man, B, said, "We are not a people to be messed with. We are going to climb to the rooftops in LA and aim our guns at you." They reportedly referenced Somaly's actions in Japan and other places, claiming he insulted Asians.

Following the release of the video, some responded with comments like "I hope Koreans worldwide rise up" and "We support you," while others said, "We know Somaly is problematic, but that doesn't mean we should support gangs."

Somaly, who entered Korea last September, streamed live on YouTube while engaging in inappropriate behavior such as kissing the Statue of Peace installed in Changdong History and Culture Park, Dobong-gu, Seoul, and performing obscene dances in front of the statue. He also caused public outrage by disrupting business, such as spilling water from a cup of instant noodles onto a table at a convenience store in Mapo-gu. It is reported that he was assaulted in retaliation three times by angry citizens on the 24th, 27th, and 31st of last month. Subsequently, he was reported on charges including assault and drug offenses and was banned from leaving the country.

Regarding his provocative acts, he stated, "I am not sorry. If you want me to kneel and apologize, I will refuse." He also referred to the comfort women victims during the Japanese colonial period, saying, "It was prostitution. It was voluntary, and they worked legally for money. They earned several times more than the Japanese military and were wealthy." While kissing the screen displaying President Yoon Suk-yeol’s photo, saying, "I love you. You are a great leader," he suddenly changed his attitude, making obscene gestures and sexual harassment remarks toward President Yoon.