NewJeans' Hanni Faces Visa Expiry, Group's Future Activities Uncertain

NewJeans member Hanni, who holds Vietnamese-Australian nationality, is facing the expiration of her E-6 (Entertainment Performance) visa early next month, leading to uncertainties about the group's future activities. According to industry and legal sources on the 22nd, Hanni's visa, issued through ADOR, is nearing its expiration. With Hanni and NewJeans claiming the termination of her exclusive contract with ADOR, it's unlikely that ADOR will extend her visa. Although ADOR stated they are preparing documents for her visa extension, the possibility of Hanni accepting ADOR's assistance is slim.

The impending visa expiration has raised concerns about NewJeans' ability to continue as a complete group. The group currently lacks a managing agency, and even if they establish a family company as rumored, obtaining visas for foreign members is a complex and time-consuming process. Without ADOR's support, Hanni would need to leave the country and reapply for a new E-6 visa to continue activities in South Korea, requiring a contract with a domestic entertainment agency.

For a new agency to sponsor Hanni's visa, they must provide several documents, including a copy of the exclusive contract, a guarantee from the agency's representative, and an employment recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The visa issuance process typically takes 2-3 months. There are also rumors of Hanni staying in Australia, which could allow her to apply for a new E-6 visa from there.

Hanni, who claims her contract with ADOR has ended, has been reported as an illegal resident. The Seoul Immigration Office of the Ministry of Justice has stated that it's difficult to comment on individual cases but mentioned that foreign entertainers' residency status and duration are determined based on employment contracts with domestic agencies. They plan to take appropriate actions once employment relationships are clarified.