Johnny Somali punched by Korean YouTuber, sparking legal battle

Ex-SEAL YouTuber Dalgeun Yu charged for punching streamer Johnny Somali, known for global disruptions.

A former South Korean special forces soldier, Dalgeun Yu, now a YouTuber, has been handed over to prosecutors after assaulting controversial streamer Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael.

The incident occurred when Yu punched Somali in the face in a public setting, right in front of police officers. The attack followed Somali's previous controversial actions in South Korea, including an act of disrespect toward the Statue of Peace—a monument commemorating victims of sexual slavery during World War II.

Johnny Somali has gained notoriety for his disruptive streaming antics, which have included causing chaos in countries like Japan, Israel, and South Korea. His behavior has led to widespread backlash, with some offering rewards for information about his location. Dalgeun Yu, who served in South Korea’s Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) and SEALs, stated that he acted to defend national dignity, and even appealed for donations to cover his legal costs after the assault.

However, the situation has escalated as Yu now faces legal consequences for his actions. On November 28, 2024, Yu was formally handed over to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office for charges related to the assault. Meanwhile, Johnny Somali is also in hot water, facing numerous charges including obstruction of business and violation of anti-terrorism laws. As his legal troubles mount, Somali's chances of avoiding jail time are becoming increasingly slim, with additional charges expected to be filed soon.