Streamer Johnny Somali accused of violating railway and anti-terrorism laws in South Korea

Johnny Somali faces legal trouble in South Korea for blasting bomb threat TTS messages.

Controversial streamer Ramsey Khalid Ismael, known as Johnny Somali, is facing allegations of violating South Korea's Railway Act and Anti-Terrorism laws. A viral clip shared by verified user Legal Mindset (@TheLegalMindset) on X (formerly Twitter) shows Somali playing text-to-speech (TTS) messages in full volume on a subway. The messages reportedly included bomb threats in Korean. Legal Mindset remarked, "Johnny Somali (Ramsey Khalid Ismael) violating both the Railway Act and Anti-Terrorism laws in this deleted video, which has now been exposed."

This is not the first time Somali has faced legal scrutiny for his actions. In 2023, during his time in Japan, he was detained for similar antics. He had broadcast TTS messages containing bomb and r*pe threats inside a subway, leading to intervention by Shibuya police. Most recently, in South Korea, Somali's public disruptions, including playing inappropriate TTS messages on subways in October 2024, have drawn police attention.

Adding to the controversy, Somali was previously indicted by the Seoul Western District Prosecutor's Office for public disturbance and alleged drug use. A clip showed him using offensive slurs and consuming alcohol inside a convenience store. One particularly offensive act involved Somali kissing Seoul’s Statue of Peace, a memorial for war victims. Following backlash, he issued a public apology.

If convicted under South Korean law, Somali could face up to 10 years in prison. This incident highlights the growing scrutiny over streamers engaging in disruptive and offensive behavior during live broadcasts.