Seoul, South Korea – Johnny Somali, an American influencer infamous for his disruptive and offensive antics, has pleaded guilty to obstruction and minor offences in South Korea, following months of controversy surrounding his live-streamed harassment of locals.

Somali—whose real name is Ramsey Ismael—arrived late and hungover to his court hearing in Seoul. The YouTuber had reportedly gone live on streaming platform Parti the night before, boasting about a supposed deal to broadcast his trial and promising a ‘redemption arc.’ However, hours later, he was seen drinking heavily and vomiting in his friend’s apartment.

The court granted a continuance on one of the charges, and Somali is set to return for another hearing in the coming weeks.

Somali has built a notorious reputation for live-streaming disruptive behaviour across Asia, including racist taunts, harassment, and trespassing. His actions in South Korea sparked national outrage, particularly after he mocked the Statue of Peace—a monument honouring victims of Japanese wartime sexual slavery—and clashed with locals, including a former Korean Special Forces member who knocked him out in a viral video.

Despite repeated bans from streaming platforms, Somali has continued to evade restrictions by creating new accounts, using controversy to fuel his online presence and attract donations.

Public sentiment in South Korea remains overwhelmingly against him, with many calling for strict legal consequences to deter similar behaviour in the future.