Johnny Somali says he’s “having fun” in Korean prison as letter to fan leaks

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A leaked letter reveals that Johnny Somali claims he’s surprisingly enjoying his time in a Korean prison and has requested someone send him books on investing in the stock market.

Johnny Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, received a sentence of six months and 20 days in a South Korean prison, including forced labor, after being convicted of creating and distributing Deepfake videos featuring other online streamers.

Korean prosecutors initially requested a three-year prison sentence with forced labor for the streamer, along with placement on a sex offender registry if he were deported. However, he is now appealing his current six-month sentence, a move that will likely extend his time in prison.

Reports describe the conditions in his prison as extremely harsh – some say worse than a labor camp. Prisoners are reportedly crammed into cells with six people each, and meals consist of basic rice and soup. There’s also no air conditioning. Surprisingly, despite all of this, Somali claims he’s enjoying himself.

Johnny Somali letter from prison leaked by Legal Mindset

I’ve been keeping up with this case, and apparently a letter leaked online! It was shared by Legal Mindset, a YouTuber who’s been really on top of everything happening with it.

In a letter, he thanked Lee Han-ul for writing and sending well wishes, saying the support meant a lot. He shared that he’s been enjoying his time and having a good week, staying healthy and laughing with his cellmates and other inmates.

This place is similar to a hotel, but I don’t have my phone or laptop here. Your letter really cheered me up, and we even put the TV schedule you sent on the wall! Thanks so much for offering to send money to my account.

Timestamp of 2:22 

Somali mentioned in his letter that he would be grateful if Lee Han-ul could send him some English books about the stock market, as he wants to learn more about the topic.

Legal Mindset confirmed the letter’s authenticity, with the Somali Conviction Team verifying it against the streamer’s known signature patterns.

It’s currently unclear when his appeal will be reviewed, or if prosecutors will succeed in getting the three-year sentence they initially requested.

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2026-05-06 12:48