Self-described ‘troll’ American YouTuber handed 6-month South Korean prison term for literally dancing on wartime graves

(SeaPRwire) –   A U.S. YouTuber who triggered nationwide anger in South Korea with provocative acts—such as dancing on a statue honoring victims of wartime sexual slavery—was handed a six-month prison sentence on Wednesday.

The Seoul Western District Court convicted Ramsey Khalid Ismael, a self-identified internet “troll” known online as Johnny Somali, on multiple charges, including business obstruction and distributing fabricated sexually explicit content.

Prosecutors had pushed for a three-year prison term for Ismael, who also faced allegations of harassing staff and visitors at an amusement park, disrupting a convenience store by blaring music and dumping noodles on a table, creating similar disturbances on a bus and subway, and sharing non-consensual deepfake videos.

The court noted the 25-year-old showed “severe” disregard for South Korean law, pointing out that his livestreamed stunts—aimed at generating YouTube revenue—offended countless people. Following the verdict, the court ordered his immediate detention, citing him as a flight risk.

In October 2024, Somali sparked public outrage in South Korea after posting a video of himself kissing and performing a lap dance on a statue commemorating victims of the Japanese military’s sexual slavery during World War II. He later apologized, claiming he was unaware of the monument’s significance.

Ismael, who was barred from leaving the country while his trial was pending, previously told local reporters that he regretted his actions and wished to apologize to the South Korean public.