American YouTuber Johnny Somali, who caused controversy in Korea by mocking the Peace Statue and making various inconveniences, was ‘suspended from leaving the country’. ‘Departure suspension’ refers to a ban on leaving the country imposed on foreigners.
Somali is being investigated on charges of disrupting the work of convenience store employees by playing music and dancing at a convenience store in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 17th of last month, and Songpa Police Station is investigating after receiving a 112 report that Somali had taken drugs.
Seo Gyeong-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, said, “(Somali) on a YouTube broadcast yesterday (31st) displayed the Rising Sun flag on the laptop screen and provoked Koreans by saying, ‘It’s not Dock, it’s Takeshima.’”
In the broadcast that day, Somali mentioned the comfort women victims during the Japanese colonial period and said, “It was prostitution. It was voluntary, and the work was legally paid. He poured out outrageous remarks, saying, “He earned several times more money than the Japanese military and was rich.”
Also, “I love you. “You are a great leader,” he said, kissing the picture of President Yoon Seok-yeol on the screen and adding, “Thank you for letting the police protect me from YouTubers. “It’s much better than the Japanese police,” he said, but suddenly changed his attitude and swore at President Yoon and made sexual harassment remarks.
Professor Seo said, “Insulting the girl statue, using the Rising Sun flag, and shouting about Takeshima (the name of Dokdo claimed by Japan) are acts that deny the history of the Republic of Korea,” and added, “We must set a good example with strong punishment, not soft punishment, so that something like this will never happen again.” “The incident will not happen again,” he emphasized.
Song Chi-hoon, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Professor Seo Gyeong-deok on the Johnny Somali Incident
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Professor Seo. The recent situation involving American YouTuber Johnny Somali has stirred quite the controversy in Korea. What are your initial thoughts on the matter?
Professor Seo: Thank you for having me. This incident is deeply troubling, not just due to Somali’s actions but also because it highlights larger issues regarding cultural sensitivity and historical awareness. When he displayed the Rising Sun flag and mocked the comfort women, it was an affront to those who suffered during that time.
TNE: Absolutely, it seems that his choice of statements and imagery was particularly provocative. Can you elaborate on why these specific actions are especially offensive to Koreans?
Professor Seo: The Rising Sun flag is a potent symbol tied to Japan’s colonial aggression in Korea. Its display can evoke strong emotional responses, reminding many Koreans of their painful history. Additionally, his comments about comfort women trivialize their suffering and resilience. This is not just about free speech; it’s about respect for history and those who endured it.
TNE: It’s clear that this isn’t merely an isolated incident. How do you see the Korean public and government responding to Somali’s actions?
Professor Seo: The public outcry has been significant, and the government has taken steps by suspending his departure. This is crucial—an appropriate legal response sends a strong message. As I mentioned, we need to adopt a standard of strong punishment to deter similar actions in the future. Making an example of such behavior is essential for historical accountability.
TNE: In your opinion, does this incident indicate a rising trend of foreigners, particularly influencers, crossing boundaries in how they engage with Korean culture?
Professor Seo: Yes, it does indicate a troubling trend. With social media platforms like YouTube, the potential for recklessness increases. Some foreign influencers may not fully appreciate the cultural contexts they are engaging with and may provoke or embarrass without thinking of the consequences. Education about cultural sensitivity needs to become part of the conversation, both for foreigners interacting with Korean culture and for Koreans in their exchanges with others.
TNE: Looking ahead, what can be done to prevent incidents like this in the future?
Professor Seo: Strengthening cultural exchange programs and establishing clearer guidelines for foreign visitors might help. Moreover, it’s essential to foster dialogues about historical events—not just in Korea but worldwide—so that we can build empathy across cultures. People need to understand the nuances of history before they make comments or jokes that undermine them.
TNE: Thank you, Professor Seo, for sharing your insights on this sensitive topic. It seems there’s much work to be done in terms of education and cultural understanding to avoid such incidents in the future.
Professor Seo: Thank you for having me. It’s a conversation we all need to be part of to promote greater understanding and respect in our increasingly interconnected world.