"Martial Law?"... Somali Who Insulted the Statue of a Girl Suddenly Deletes Video

Post Mentioning North Korea Deleted After 3 Days... Speculations Related to Martial Law
Various Erratic Behaviors Including Insulting the Statue of Peace After Entering Korea

Johnny Somali (24), an American YouTuber who caused controversy by insulting the Statue of Peace and praising North Korea through various antics in South Korea, has deleted all the videos he had posted. On the night of the 3rd, immediately after the declaration of martial law, Somali removed all posts mentioning North Korea and the Chinese Communist Party from his social media accounts.

Some speculate that the reason for deleting the videos was President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law on the 3rd.

Somali entered South Korea last September and became controversial for various antics, including posting videos of himself kissing the Statue of Peace located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and performing a mocking dance in front of it.

YouTuber Joni Somali [Image source=Captured from Joni Somali's Instagram]

He also posted videos praising North Korea, such as playing North Korean songs like "Chollima Runs" on a bus and stating his intention to defect to North Korea via the Demilitarized Zone. Additionally, he made statements supporting the Chinese Communist Party.

Somali's antics drew widespread criticism, and in October, an incident occurred in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where several men assaulted him.

On the 6th of last month, Somali visited the Statue of Peace installed at Changdong History and Culture Park in Dobong-gu, Seoul, and said, "It was for fun, and I did not know much about the comfort women or the Statue of Peace." However, on the 4th, he again posted photos and writings insulting the comfort women on his social media, causing further controversy.

Somali was sent to the prosecution without detention on the 5th of last month on charges of obstruction of business. He was prosecuted for causing a disturbance at a convenience store and is currently under police investigation for charges including drug use and assault.

Meanwhile, on the 3rd at 10:30 p.m., President Yoon held an emergency national address and declared martial law, stating, "We will protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces and eradicate the shameless pro-North anti-state forces who are robbing our people's freedom and happiness, and uphold the free constitutional order." Following this, the Martial Law Command issued Proclamation No. 1, prohibiting any acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system, as well as banning fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false incitement in relation to freedom of the press and expression.