A video showing Johnny Somali kissing the Girl of Peace statue has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an insult to the Korean people. (Image source: Screenshot from JTBC)
SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Korea Bizwire) – A controversial American YouTuber who goes by the name Johnny Somali, known for his provocative behavior including disruptive acts at convenience stores and inappropriate interactions with comfort women statues, was assaulted during a livestream in Seoul.
According to footage shared on online communities on October 27, Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, was attacked while conducting a livestream with companions on a Seoul street on the night of October 24. The video shows an unidentified man approaching Somali and suddenly punching him in the face.
The incident, which occurred while Somali was broadcasting with his smartphone, left his companions shouting in surprise, asking “Why did you do that?” After striking Somali, the assailant grabbed the YouTuber’s smartphone, threw it away, and left the scene.
Though Somali and his companions followed the man asking why he was running away, the attacker continued walking. In subsequent broadcasts, Somali appeared wearing a bandage above his eye.
The identity of the attacker and his motivation remain unknown.
Foreign YouTuber Johnny Somali spills ramen noodles on a table after being stopped for drinking at a convenience store near Hongdae Street in Mapo-gu, Seoul. (Image source: screenshot image from Johnny Somali YouTube channel)
Somali, who has approximately 20,000 YouTube subscribers as of October 27, has been at the center of multiple controversies in South Korea. He recently sparked outrage on October 17 when he posted a video of himself causing a disturbance at a convenience store, playing loud music and verbally abusing staff after being asked to stop.
When confronted by store employees, he reportedly spilled ramen broth on a table and directed profanities at the workers.
His other controversial actions in South Korea have included kissing a comfort women statue, playing explicit content on subway cars under the guise of accidents, and blasting North Korean music on public buses. He has also previously faced legal consequences in Japan, where he was fined for causing public disturbances.
While many online commenters expressed satisfaction with the assault, writing comments such as “He deserved more than one punch” and “A righteous blow that feels satisfying,” others argued that violence cannot be justified regardless of the circumstances.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
