Johnny Somali, the American YouTuber who sparked controversy by kissing the "Statue of Peace" comfort woman memorial, was sentenced to prison and taken into custody following his first trial.
Judge Park Ji-won of the Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 1 sentenced Somali to six months in prison and 20 days of detention on Thursday for obstruction of business and distribution of false video materials under the Special Act on Sexual Violence Crimes. The court also ordered a five-year ban on employment at institutions related to children, youth, and people with disabilities.
Somali was indicted in October 2024 for obstructing business at a convenience store in Mapo-gu by playing loud music and spilling cup noodle broth on a table.
He also faced charges for causing discomfort to multiple passersby on streets in Mapo-gu during the same month by approaching them while carrying a bag of foul-smelling fish, and for causing disturbances on buses and subways by playing loud music and dancing.
During the trial, additional charges were filed for causing disturbances while livestreaming at Lotte World and preventing passengers from boarding rides, as well as for distributing online obscene videos featuring digitally manipulated faces of men and women.
Prosecutors had previously demanded a three-year prison sentence and a 150,000 won fine during closing arguments on February 27.
