Johnny Somali has pleaded guilty to six of eight criminal charges in South Korea, a major turn in the American livestreamer’s ongoing legal case. The charges, four counts of obstruction of business and two violations of the Minor Offenses Act, could land him up to 12 years in prison or a $145,000 fine.
The obstruction charges stem from incidents where Somali disrupted businesses and public spaces during his provocative IRL streams in South Korea. These offenses alone carry potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment per count under South Korean law.
However, Somali is fighting the two most serious charges related to creating and distributing AI-generated deepfake pornography involving Korean streamers. These charges could result in sentences of up to seven years each if he’s convicted.
South Korean authorities arrested Somali following numerous complaints about his behavior, which included harassing locals, making racist remarks, and causing disturbances in public places. His livestreams are frequently antagonistic, designed to provoke reactions from passersby.
Legal experts note that South Korea’s judicial system has a conviction rate exceeding 95%, placing significant pressure on Somali’s defense. The streamer’s own recorded content provides prosecutors with substantial evidence against him, making his case particularly challenging.
Despite admitting to distributing the deepfake material, Somali claims he was intoxicated and didn’t create the explicit videos himself. This distinction forms the core of his defense against the remaining charges, which will be addressed in a separate upcoming trial.
Somali’s courtroom behavior has reportedly been inconsistent, with instances of arriving late and acting disruptively, though sources indicate he has adopted a more serious demeanor in recent appearances. These factors, along with his apparent lack of remorse, could influence sentencing.
This case highlights growing international concerns about IRL streamers who violate local laws while broadcasting. Somali has previously been detained in Japan for similar disruptive behavior, establishing a pattern that South Korean prosecutors may use to seek harsher penalties.
Beyond potential prison time, Somali faces likely deportation and possible permanent bans from entering South Korea after completing any sentence. The case is being watched closely as a potential precedent for how countries handle foreign content creators who break local laws for views and donations.
