American YouTuber Johnny Somali has been banned from leaving South Korea as authorities investigate him over drug claims.
The controversial streamer, 24, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, rose to fame in the East Asian country for his disruptive and often offensive stunts.
He arrived in South Korea in September and has already been attacked by several locals shocked by his behavior – and has now landed in legal trouble.
According to The Korea HeraldKorean authorities have imposed a travel ban on the content creator to prevent him from leaving the country while the police investigation is ongoing.
After receiving reports from an emergency hotline accusing the streamer of drug use, police quickly launched an investigation.
American YouTuber Johnny Somali has been banned from leaving South Korea as authorities investigate him over drug claims
Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, became famous in the East Asian country for his disruptive and often offensive stunts
He also streamed himself kissing the Statue of Peace during a live video
Korean law firm Lee & Lee claimed that if Somali is found guilty, he could face 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won ($95,000).
The streamer, from Arizona, was also discussed in the South Korean parliament last month after a series of videos emerged showing him wreaking havoc in the country.
One MP questioned whether there will be legal consequences for his actions, which included disrespecting a memorial statue and casting windows on the floor of a supermarket.
He also streamed himself kissing the Statue of Peace during a live video – a memorial honoring Korean comfort women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II.
The following week, he reportedly applied baby oil to the statue while implying that he would perform lewd acts on it. reported Korea JoongAng Daily.
“We are keeping an eye on Johnny Somali,” the parliament speaker said.
It came after Somali was reportedly taken into custody for his own protection late last month after a livestream showed him being attacked by someone wearing a mask.
His alleged attacker, who has since been reported as a rival YouTuber from Japan, was arrested and online clips later showed a Somali in the back of a police car.
Somalia has previously said he would perform lewd acts on a statue, Korea JoongAng Daily reported
The controversial streamer was debated in South Korea’s parliament last month after videos emerged showing it wreaking havoc in the country
A Dexerto report claimed that Somali had been charged with two counts of assault and drug use – which he has vehemently denied
Somali man was reportedly taken into custody for his own protection late last month after a livestream showed him being attacked by someone wearing a mask
The streamer is seen drinking Soju, being disrespectful to officials and infuriating locals in images circulating on social media.
“Americans have a lot more freedom here,” he said in one clip.
‘These n****s are protecting us, us in the back of a police car. Come get us! Come get us!’
Police later told local media: “We intend to investigate the related complaints.”
The incident became the third time Somalis have been attacked in a week, after being defeated twice in Seoul the week before.
A Dexerto Report claimed Somali had been charged with two counts of assault and drug use – which he has vehemently denied.
“I have never been accused of assaulting anyone, this is a warning to remove this post and article or I will take legal action,” he wrote about the report on X.
Police confirmed the Somali is still in South Korea, despite posting a photo at Incheon International Airport this week.
His YouTube channel, which had almost 19,000 subscribers, now appears to have been deleted.