On the afternoon of February 12, the Hankyoreh newspaper reported that female idol singer Hanni of the group NJZ (formerly NewJeans) was granted a legal visa through an administrative agency.
A representative for Hanni confirmed: "Hanni has been granted a visa allowing her to stay in this country through the prescribed procedures."
“Although the visas were issued in accordance with legal administrative procedures, there were still many false articles circulating, due to leaked personal information that only the person concerned or the workplace would know,” he added.
As a result, complaints were filed, showing that personal information and human rights were completely unprotected.”
However, My Daily questioned, it is unclear what type of visa Hanni was granted, or which agency she applied for the visa through.
However, it is reported that this is a different visa from the previous E-6 visa (arts and entertainment activities). Due to the current contract dispute with ADOR Company (under HYBE Group), the extension of the E-6 visa is not possible.
Normally, E-6 visa is issued for 1 year. Entertainment companies are responsible for renewing E-6 visa for foreign employees every year (contract required).
When the 5 members of NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein) announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR from November 29, 2024, the issue of residency of foreign members in the group was hotly discussed.
Notably, in Hanni's case, she is the only one who does not have Korean nationality.
ADOR stated, "Because NewJeans' exclusive contract is still valid, all visa extension documents have been prepared."
However, recently many Korean newspapers still question whether Hanni is an illegal immigrant.
On February 11, it was reported that Hanni did not sign the documents prepared by ADOR to renew her visa. In response, ADOR cautiously said: "We cannot confirm this."
In addition, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Ji Won told Vice Justice Minister Kim Seok Woo at a session of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee on February 12: "One of the members of the popular idol group Hanni is at risk of becoming an illegal immigrant.
Please, the Ministry of Justice, take measures to ensure that idols can continue to operate smoothly."
On March 7, the court will hear the case of ADOR filing a lawsuit against NewJeans members to confirm the validity of the contract, and request an injunction to maintain ADOR's status as a management company, preventing NewJeans from signing advertising contracts with third parties.
Meanwhile, the five members of NewJeans announced their activities under the new group name NJZ from February 7. In addition, they announced that they will perform at the ComplexCon concert event in Hong Kong (China) on March 23, and release a new song as NJZ.
