NewJeans' Hanni Faces Visa Expiry Amid Contract Dispute

NewJeans member Hanni's visa is nearing its expiration date, sparking concerns about her continued stay and activities in South Korea. Hanni, who holds dual citizenship in Australia and Vietnam, requires an extension of her E-6 visa, designated for artists and entertainers, to remain in the country. Typically, the E-6 visa is issued for one year and must be renewed annually by the entertainer's agency. However, Hanni's visa is reportedly set to expire in early February, and with NewJeans currently embroiled in a contract dispute with ADOR, there are worries about potential complications in renewing her visa. The E-6 visa stipulates that the holder must be under contract with a domestic employer, and since NewJeans members have claimed their exclusive contract with ADOR was terminated as of November 29 last year, the visa renewal process could become more complex. The situation is further complicated by ongoing litigation over the validity of the contract with ADOR, making it difficult for Hanni to quickly secure a new agency for visa purposes. Meanwhile, the Seoul Immigration Office has responded to a citizen's report regarding Hanni's alleged illegal stay by stating it cannot comment on individual cases but emphasized that the visa status of foreign entertainers is determined based on their employment contracts with domestic agencies, and appropriate measures will be taken based on the resolution of employment relationships.