'Statue of Peace' Insult by American YouTuber Johnny Somali
Now Threatens: "I Will Spread STDs in Korea"
Since entering Korea in September of last year, American YouTuber Johnny Somali (real name: Ramzy Khalid Ismael), who has been banned from leaving the country after repeatedly filming videos mocking and disparaging Korea?such as kissing the "Statue of Peace" and using the Rising Sun Flag?has now threatened, "If the Korean government does not release me, I will spread sexually transmitted diseases in Korea."
American YouTuber Johnny Somali, who caused controversy by engaging in bizarre acts such as kissing the "Statue of Peace." Photo by Seokyungdeok, professor at Sungshin Women's University, Facebook
The YouTuber "Legal Mindset," who has reported on Somali's criminal charges and trial proceedings, recently shared Somali's remarks in a video titled "He Wants to Infect Me and Korean Women."
In the video, Somali stated, "If Korea does not release me, Korean women will be at risk," and added, "I did not use condoms or get tested for STDs when having sex with Korean women. I will spread whatever I have to Korean women."
He continued, "Korean women crave Black men every week," claiming, "They are the reason I am allowed to stay in Korea." He further threatened, "Neither the Korean police nor the Korean government can stop me. I will inject HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) with a syringe." In response, "Legal Mindset" pointed out, "Threatening with STD or AIDS infection can be a criminal offense not only in the United States and Europe but also in Korea."
As Somali's bizarre behavior continues, online users have expressed outrage, leaving comments such as, "Does he think Korea is an easy target?" "All sorts of attention-seekers are running wild. The country is being treated like a punching bag," "It seems Korea has a reputation for being an easy country," "Why hasn't he been deported yet?" "He has crossed the line by a long shot," "How is he still not in custody after all this?" and "Just hearing his name is stressful now."
Meanwhile, Somali is reportedly receiving financial support from acquaintances while under the "departure ban" in Korea. A friend of Somali recently stated, "Somali is currently banned from leaving the country. He is not allowed to work in Korea and receives no support. If I don't help him, Somali will starve to death."
Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University, who has criticized Somali, commented, "Somali is a delinquent YouTuber who has committed all sorts of bizarre acts in Korea, such as mocking by kissing the Statue of Peace, using the Rising Sun Flag, and shouting 'Takeshima' (the Japanese name for Dokdo claimed by Japan). The idiom 'caught in one's own trap' comes to mind, as he is now facing difficulties because of his own words and actions."
He further pointed out, "It is also a problem that copycat crimes by foreign YouTubers continue to occur because of Somali," and emphasized, "A strong ruling against Somali must set a good precedent. Foreign YouTubers who mock Korea and threaten passersby must no longer be allowed to run rampant in the country."
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