Hanni from NewJeans Faces Deportation Threat After ADOR Contract Ends

On January 10th, a complaint was filed against Hanni, a member of the popular K-pop group NewJeans, regarding her alleged illegal stay in South Korea. The report was submitted by an anonymous individual through the National Civil Complaint System, and it has raised significant concerns about Hanni’s future in the country, especially in light of her ongoing contract dispute with ADOR, her agency.

Hanni, who holds dual nationality from Australia and Vietnam, requires an extension of her “E-6” entertainment visa to remain and continue her activities in South Korea. This visa, typically issued for a one-year period, is renewed annually by the agency representing the artist. However, with Hanni’s visa nearing its expiration at the beginning of this year, there are mounting concerns about potential issues with its renewal.

Complicating matters further, Hanni is embroiled in a legal dispute with ADOR over her exclusive contract. Since the renewal of the “E-6” visa depends on the involvement of her agency, this ongoing disagreement could create significant hurdles in securing her visa extension. Given that she may not be able to turn to ADOR for assistance or seek a new agency during this period, her immigration status is now at the center of intense scrutiny.

In response to the allegations of illegal stay, the Seoul Immigration Office, under the Ministry of Justice, stated that it is difficult to provide specific details regarding violations of the Immigration Control Act concerning individual foreigners. However, they clarified that for foreign entertainers on the “E-6” visa, the immigration status and the duration of stay are directly linked to their employment contract with a domestic agency. They further emphasized that once the employment dispute is resolved, appropriate actions will be taken regarding Hanni’s immigration status.

If the situation is not resolved or if her legal disputes continue without a clear resolution, Hanni may face the harsh reality of deportation from South Korea. Such a development would significantly impact her career in the country, where she has achieved considerable popularity as part of NewJeans. Fans and industry observers alike are waiting to see how this legal saga unfolds, as it could have serious consequences for her ability to remain in South Korea and continue her music career.