NewJeans’ Hanni Visa Expiration Raises Uncertainty for Group Activities
NewJeans’ Hanni is approaching the expiration of her E-6 visa early next month, raising concerns about the uncertainty of the group’s full-member activities. Amid an ongoing contract dispute with ADOR, the visa issue has emerged as a new challenge.
■ Visa Expiration and Renewal Difficulties
Hanni’s current E-6 (entertainment) visa, issued through ADOR, is set to expire early next month. While ADOR has stated that it is preparing the necessary documents for visa renewal under the claim that the exclusive contract is still valid, Hanni’s assertion of the contract’s termination complicates the possibility of extending the visa through ADOR.
■ Complications in Issuing a New Visa
If the visa cannot be renewed through ADOR, Hanni would need to leave the country and apply for a new E-6 visa from abroad. This process requires:
- An exclusive contract with an agency registered as a cultural and arts planning organization
- A guarantee letter from the agency’s representative
- A recommendation for employment from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
Given that visa issuance typically takes 2-3 months, full-group activities are expected to face delays in the meantime.
■ Speculation of Stay in Australia and Future Outlook
Rumors within the entertainment industry suggest that Hanni may have already traveled to Australia. In such a case, she could remain in Australia while applying for a new E-6 visa before re-entering South Korea.
■ Ministry of Justice’s Stance
Regarding recent allegations of Hanni’s overstaying her visa, the Ministry of Justice stated, "The residency status of foreign entertainers holding an E-6 visa is determined based on their employment contract with a domestic agency. Measures will be taken depending on the resolution of the employment relationship between the parties."
■ Industry Outlook
Speculations about Hanni potentially establishing a new agency or a family-run corporate entity have surfaced. However, due to the complex and time-consuming nature of visa issuance procedures for foreign members, a short-term resolution appears unlikely.
Conclusion
This situation highlights the critical importance of residency qualifications for foreign artists in the K-pop industry. It also underscores the potential for contract disputes with agencies to extend into visa-related issues, further emphasizing the need for systemic reforms. The resolution of Hanni’s visa issue is expected to determine the future direction of NewJeans’ activities. Industry experts agree that this case illustrates the necessity of creating institutional measures to ensure the stable activities of foreign artists in K-pop.
