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Johnny Somali, an American YouTuber known for his provocative livestreams, issued a public apology to the South Korean community following widespread outrage over his recent behavior in Seoul. In a video posted Thursday, Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, expressed regret for mocking a statue dedicated to Korean “comfort women,” victims of sexual slavery during Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945.
On Oct. 9, Ismael sparked public backlash by filming himself kissing and dancing around the "Statue of Peace" in Seoul's Yongsan District, a monument that honors the young women subjected to forced sexual slavery. His actions were condemned as disrespectful to the memory of these victims, referred to as “comfort women,” and seen as a severe affront to Korean history and culture.
In his apology video, shared by an account named "jcompany2020," Ismael is seen being escorted by a group of individuals to another “Statue of Peace” in Seoul’s Dobong District. The group demanded that he make a formal apology at the site. Ismael claimed he did not understand the full historical significance of the statue, adding that his intentions were purely for “entertainment” aimed at an American audience, many of whom are unaware of the statue's symbolism.
“I apologize for my actions and acknowledge that my behavior unintentionally hurt Koreans' pride,” Ismael stated in the video. He expressed hope that his apology would be accepted, explaining that he is "a young person who wants to grow as a man" and learn from his mistakes. Ismael further pledged to refrain from involving the statue in his content again, acknowledging the cultural misstep. He explained, “In America, we have different kinds of comedy and culture,” noting that he now realizes “Korea is a different place where such behavior is unacceptable.”
Ismael also suggested that his controversial actions unintentionally raised awareness of the statue’s significance among global audiences unfamiliar with its history. However, his apology drew mixed reactions, with many viewers questioning its sincerity. Some social media users criticized the individuals who orchestrated his apology video, saying they "do not represent Koreans" and have “no authority to demand or accept apologies on behalf of the Korean people.”
Currently, Ismael is also under investigation by Seoul’s Mapo Police Precinct for a separate incident involving obstruction of business. On Oct. 17, he reportedly interfered with operations at a convenience store in Mapo District. Local authorities confirmed on Oct. 31 that an investigation is underway to address this incident.
