Notorious American Streamer Faces 10 Years In Prison For Alleged Drug Use After Desecrating Korean Comfort Women Memorial

Controversial streamer Johnny Somali may be jailed for his recent activities in Korea.

Johnny Somali is an American live-streamer primarily active on the platform KICK and has gained infamy for his behavior in multiple countries, the most recent of which is Korea.

In October, Somali live-streamed himself kissing the Statue of Peace at Itaewon, a memorial dedicated to the countless Korean women who were subjected to unspeakable horrors as comfort women during World War II under Imperial Japan. Somali’s actions, accompanied by his insensitive banter, earned immediate backlash, including from local citizens who sought out the streamer to attack him.

His previous actions resulted him getting kicked out of Japan, but these most recent ones could carry a much harsher punishment.

It was previously reported that Somali had been reported for drug usage to the police, as well as assault stemming from an incident at a convenience store.

10/10 21:50
泥酔しコンビニ店内で飲酒、大音量で音楽を流し踊る、ラーメンをぶちまける、最終的に女性客と口論になり警察に通報されるジョニーソマリ@JohnnySomaliX
昨年日本では同様の行為により業務妨害で起訴され有罪になった
韓国でも逮捕はよ#JohnnySomali https://t.co/mbCf9wTIR5 pic.twitter.com/t162WhmT8o

— ジョニーリマソ (@canceljohnnys) October 10, 2024

If found guilty, these two charges both can result in prison sentences. Possession or use of illegal drugs can result in a sentence of up to 10 years in jail or a fine of up to ₩100 million KRW (about $71,400 USD) while, assault can carry a maximum penalty of two years or a ₩5.00 million KRW (about $3,570 USD) fine.

Under Article Two of the Korean Criminal Act, foreigners who commit crimes in Korea are subject to local laws.

If this is taken to court, it would not be the first time he faced charges in an Asian country. Previously, he was convicted in Japan and fined 200,000 yen (around 1,294 USD) in addition to being kicked out of the country.