US live-streamer Johnny Somali faces deportation from South Korea after guilty pleas

The American content creator’s courtroom antics and past offences have fuelled calls for the court to deliver a harsh sentence

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A still from a TikTok video showing US live-streamer Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, harassing pedestrians on the street in South Korea. Photo: TikTok/JohnnySomali

Published: 3:53pm, 12 Mar 2025

An American content creator known as Johnny Somali, infamous for his provocative live-streams, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges in South Korea, fuelling public outrage and making his deportation from the country increasingly likely.

The 24-year-old, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is facing three charges including obstruction of business and violations of the Minor Offences Act, according to court documents. He has not been detained but is barred from leaving the country.

Ismael is known for engaging in inflammatory and disruptive behaviour during his travels. His content often involves antagonising locals and engaging in acts considered to be culturally insensitive, leading to multiple arrests across countries such as Japan and Israel.

Immigration lawyer Kim Ju-hyeong, a senior counsel specialising in immigration and industrial accident law at Seoul-based firm Majung, said that any guilty verdict would likely result in an expulsion order.

“Foreigners are ordered to leave the country, either voluntarily or forcibly, if their criminal actions result in a fine of more than 3 million won (US$2,064). Considering the multiple charges against Ismael and the serious nature of his offences, it is very unlikely that he will receive a lighter penalty than this,” Kim told The Korea Herald.

US live-streamer Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, waves around his US passport in a video he posted to TikTok on November 12, 2024. Photo: TikTok/JohnnySomali

At his first trial hearing on Friday, Ismael pleaded guilty to all charges.