According to Korean media reports on December 20, Korean time, NewJeans member Hanni's E-6 Visa (including entertainment and culture) is about to expire.
Under local law, foreigners who engage in entertainment and cultural activities in Korea for profit must be issued an E-6 Visa. In order for an E-6 Visa to be issued to an individual engaging in entertainment activities, they must meet the criteria of being employed under an exclusive contract with a legally registered entertainment company.
In particular, they must provide proof of their identity, signed by the employer, and submit a letter of recommendation to apply for a job.
Therefore, if NewJeans' decision to terminate its exclusive contract with ADOR on November 28 is legally recognized as valid, it means that Hanni does not meet the requirements for an E-6 Visa.
Furthermore, Hanni must apply for another type of visa or sign a new exclusive contract with a new company within 15 days before they are ordered to leave Korea.
In response, an ADOR representative stated that ADOR's exclusive contract with NewJeans is still in effect. Therefore, the company is currently preparing the necessary documents to renew Hanni's visa.
Normally, E-6 visas are issued for 1 year. Entertainment companies are responsible for renewing E-6 visas for foreign employees every year. According to Korean media, Hanni's E-6 visa will expire in early 2025.
