The fate of K-pop girl group NewJeans’ future activities remains uncertain due to the work visa of member Hanni, who has dual Vietnamese and Australian nationality.
The 20-year-old’s E-6 visa is due to expire in February. The E-6 visa allows K-pop singers and other entertainment industry workers of foreign nationalities to work in the entertainment industry in South Korea.
The situation is complicated by the unresolved dispute between Hanni and her agency Ador over the validity of their exclusive contract.
NewJeans – which also comprise Minji, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – announced in November 2024 that they would unilaterally terminate their contracts with Ador.
Hanni faced accusations of illegal residency in January, based on her position that her contract with Ador has been terminated. Ador said it does not know Hanni’s whereabouts despite rumours that she has left South Korea for Australia.
The Seoul Immigration Office declined to confirm the details of her case, but said it would take appropriate measures once the employment relationship is clarified.
According to the South Korean media, Hanni has to leave South Korea and apply for a new E-6 visa if she does not renew her visa through Ador. The process of getting a new E-6 visa typically takes two to three months.
Ador, the subsidiary of South Korean entertainment company Hybe, told The Korea Herald on Jan 22 that it is preparing the necessary documents for Hanni’s visa renewal.
Ador said Hanni’s exclusive contract with the company remains valid, even though the likelihood of the singer continuing with the agency appears slim.
NewJeans released an official statement on Instagram Stories on Jan 23 saying that they have hired Shin & Kim LLC, the law firm that also represents the group’s producer Min Hee-jin, to handle their ongoing legal disputes with Hybe and Ador.
The girl group also announced through their Instagram account on Jan 23 that they are holding a contest for fans to come up with a new group name for them to use temporarily. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
