Johnny Somali Causes Controversy with Bizarre Acts in Korea
Currently on Trial for Business Obstruction, Banned from Leaving the Country
Recently Pleads Financial Hardship... Seo Kyungduk Urges "Strong Punishment"
As news spread about the financial struggles of American YouTuber Johnny Somali, who became controversial for posting videos insulting Korea, such as kissing the Statue of Peace, Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University pointed out that this was a case of "falling into one's own trap." On April 25, Professor Seo stated on social media that "Legal Mindset," a YouTuber who has been reporting on Somali's trial, recently disclosed a Telegram message sent by one of Somali's acquaintances.
According to Professor Seo, "The message revealed that Somali's acquaintance said, 'The legal fees are too burdensome. If there is anyone who can help, please donate,' and shared a PayPal account for donations." Professor Seo continued, "The acquaintance appealed, saying, 'Somali is currently banned from leaving the country, is not allowed to work in Korea, and receives no support whatsoever. There is no other option. If I do not help, Somali will starve to death.'"
He described this as "a message announcing Somali's miserable downfall," and said, "The idiom 'falling into one's own trap' comes to mind, as he is now in trouble because of his own words and actions." He added, "Somali is a YouTuber who mocked Korea by kissing the Statue of Peace, used the Rising Sun Flag, and shouted 'Takeshima' (Japan's name for Dokdo), among other bizarre acts in Korea. The problem is also the ongoing copycat crimes by foreign YouTubers." He emphasized, "There must be a strong punishment for Somali, who is currently on trial, to set a precedent."
Somali was indicted last October on charges of business obstruction after playing loud music and spilling instant noodle soup on a table at a convenience store in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and is currently banned from leaving the country by the government. Previously, he kissed the Statue of Peace, carried a bag of foul-smelling fish on the street to discomfort passersby, and caused disturbances on public transportation such as buses and subways. Last month, at a rally against the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, he accepted a paper placard from supporters and shouted "CCP (Chinese Communist Party) out," shook hands with protestors, and saluted toward the camera. On the same day, he was struck on the head by a passerby who recognized him near Jongno 5-ga Station.
In addition to Somali, there has been an increase in cases of foreign YouTubers engaging in bizarre acts in Korea. Recently, YouTuber "Black Dave" sparked controversy by suddenly punching a passerby in the face and hurling insults as the person was trying to get into a car. He live-streamed this scene on the Australian internet broadcasting platform "Kick." Around the same time, YouTuber "Ice Poseidon" also traveled around Seoul, Busan, and Gwangju, making offensive remarks such as "Kimchi is disgusting," "Korea developed because the United States made it so," and "We gave you good genes through the comfort women."
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