In a surprising courtroom spectacle, controversial streamer Johnny Somali faced harsh criticism from a South Korean judge after repeatedly lying during testimony in a criminal trial. The hearing, which took place on October 22nd, revealed a pattern of contradictions and evasive answers that left legal observers shocked at the streamer’s conduct.
According to sources, the trial centered on charges Johnny had filed against another Korean streamer, Yungman, involving deepfake distribution, stalking, and assault with a baton. However, the case took an ironic twist as Johnny himself faces similar deepfake charges in a separate, ongoing criminal trial.
According to legal connections present at the hearing, Johnny’s testimony was so problematic that it could have led to an acquittal for the defendant.
Throughout his time on the stand, Johnny demonstrated a troubling pattern of selective memory. He repeatedly claimed he “didn’t know” or “didn’t remember” crucial details about events he clearly should have recalled.
When questioned about distributing deepfakes on YouTube before Yungman, he deflected by insisting police had verified he didn’t create them, clinging to a distinction between production and distribution that legal experts say is irrelevant to the charges.
The lies compounded as Johnny made false claims that Yungman had distributed the deepfakes first and leaked his address. Yet, he couldn’t confirm his own address when pressed by the judge. Most egregiously, when discussing an alleged assault, Johnny claimed the incident was “the scariest day of his life” but he conveniently couldn’t remember who brought the baton to the confrontation. Evidence clearly shows his associate Hank brought the weapon.
The judge didn’t mince words, telling Johnny multiple times that his story “didn’t add up” and persistently asking questions the streamer desperately tried to avoid.
Johnny also attempted to submit video evidence on the spot, violating proper legal procedure requiring evidence submission in advance through prosecutors.
His associate Hank fared little better, telling the judge that Korean law “isn’t fair to Johnny” and questioning why the case was serious—comments that had no bearing on his testimony and likely irritated the court further.
Despite the disastrous testimony revealing potential perjury, Johnny ultimately achieved a settlement where both parties agreed to withdraw charges. While this removed one deepfake charge against him, legal experts warn that openly lying to a judge could severely backfire in his main criminal trial, where he still faces up to 12 years in prison on remaining charges.