NewJeans' Hanni faces visa troubles, reported as illegal immigrant amidst contract termination with their management agency

NewJeans' member Hanni is facing potential legal complications regarding her visa status following the group's public contract termination with their management agency, ADOR. Despite NewJeans claiming independence, ADOR maintains that their contracts are still legally valid. On December 20, 2024, South Korean media outlet 10Asia reported that Hanni had been reported to South Korean Customs as an illegal immigrant by an unidentified individual demanding her deportation.

Hanni, who holds dual citizenship in Australia and Vietnam, requires an annual renewal of her visa to remain in South Korea. Previously, there were rumors about her visa nearing expiration, but ADOR had assured the public that they were preparing for its renewal as they did not acknowledge the contract termination.

The situation, however, has become more complicated since the group publicly announced their contract termination. Legal experts suggest that if Hanni continues to operate independently without ADOR's sponsorship, her visa, which was initially granted through the agency, could become invalid. Under South Korean immigration laws, foreign entertainers typically hold an E-6 visa sponsored by their management agencies. If the contract with the agency ends, the visa is no longer valid.

Out of the five NewJeans members, Danielle holds dual citizenship in Korea and Australia, which exempts her from such visa issues. However, Hanni's case is more complex. If her contract was indeed terminated in late November, her visa would have become invalid by mid-December. According to the Immigration Control Act, she should have left South Korea by then.

While Hanni can potentially renew her E-6 visa by signing with a new agency, immigration laws require approval from her previous agency, ADOR, for such a transfer. Given the ongoing legal dispute between ADOR and NewJeans, it seems unlikely that ADOR would provide such consent.

The law also mandates that individuals must apply for a visa transfer or secure a new sponsorship within 15 days of contract termination. With that deadline already passed, Hanni’s remaining option may be to leave South Korea and reapply for an E-6 visa from abroad.

This visa issue comes amid ongoing tensions between HYBE, ADOR’s parent company, and Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR, adding further complexity to Hanni's situation. The coming weeks will likely determine whether Hanni can resolve her visa issues and continue her career in South Korea without further disruptions.