'Travel-Banned' Johnny Somali Sparks Outrage Waving Rising Sun Flag, Claims "Japan Should Occupy Korea"

Provoking Controversy by Waving the Rising Sun Flag During Live Broadcast
Currently on Trial and Banned from Leaving the Country
Facing Charges Including Obstruction of Business and Violations of the Minor Offenses Act

American YouTuber Johnny Somali (Ramsey Khalid Ismail), who is currently on trial in South Korea for a series of bizarre acts, including kissing the 'Statue of Peace,' has once again sparked controversy by making the outrageous statement that "Japan should reoccupy Korea." On July 22, Somali appeared in a live broadcast on his social networking service (SNS), where he waved the Rising Sun Flag, a symbol of Japanese imperialism, and declared, "Dokdo is not Korean territory but belongs to Japan. I want everyone to know that," and further insisted, "Japan should occupy the Korean Peninsula."

YouTuber Johnny Somali, who was prosecuted and banned from leaving the country after engaging in various misadventures during his visit to South Korea. SNS

In a message posted alongside the broadcast video, Somali continued his provocative remarks, claiming, "I know more about the Dokdo issue than Koreans do." In the video, he also drew attention by wearing a red 'MAGA (Make America Great Again)' hat, commonly worn by supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Previously, at his first trial in March on charges including obstruction of business, Somali attempted to enter the courtroom wearing a MAGA hat but was stopped due to court regulations. When asked why he wore the hat, he replied, "Because I am an American citizen. And Korea is a vassal state of the United States."

Since entering South Korea around September of last year, Somali has engaged in a series of bizarre acts, including kissing the 'Statue of Peace' and causing disturbances on buses and in convenience stores. He also made offensive remarks during online broadcasts, such as threatening to spread sexually transmitted diseases to Korean women. Somali has previously caused controversy by waving the Rising Sun Flag or referring to Dokdo by its Japanese name, Takeshima, and engaging in other inappropriate behavior. As a result of his repeated misbehavior and offensive statements, Somali is currently on trial in South Korea on seven charges, including obstruction of business and violations of the Minor Offenses Act, and is banned from leaving the country. His next hearing is scheduled for August 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the Seoul Western District Court.