NewJeans Hanni Secures New Visa, Resolves Immigration Status Concerns After Agency Dispute

NewJeans member Hanni, an Australian-Vietnamese citizen, has successfully obtained a new visa allowing her to continue activities in South Korea, resolving concerns about her immigration status following her contract dispute with agency ADOR. The development on February 13 marked a significant victory for the K-pop idol who faced potential deportation due to visa expiration amid ongoing legal battles with her former management company.

Contract Dispute and Visa Complications

The visa crisis stemmed from Hanni's decision in November to terminate her exclusive contract with ADOR, along with her fellow NewJeans members, citing the agency's failure to fulfill contractual obligations. The group subsequently announced their intention to operate independently under the name "NJZ," marking a dramatic departure from their original management structure.

As an Australian-Vietnamese dual citizen, Hanni required an E-6 artist visa to legally work in South Korea's entertainment industry. Previously, ADOR had been responsible for annually renewing this visa, but the contract termination left Hanni's legal status in limbo when her existing visa expired in early February.

Parliamentary Intervention and Political Support

The case gained unprecedented political attention when Democratic Party Representative Park Ji-won raised Hanni's situation during a National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting on February 12. Park directly questioned Acting Justice Minister Kim Seok-woo about the famous idol's potential illegal residency status.

"A famous idol group NewJeans member is about to become an illegal resident and face deportation. What are you doing about this?" Park inquired during the parliamentary session. This marked an unusual instance of K-pop industry issues being formally discussed at the highest levels of government.

Swift Government Response

Following Park's parliamentary inquiry, the Justice Ministry appears to have acted with remarkable speed. The same day, Hanni's representatives announced that a new visa had been approved, allowing her to continue her activities in South Korea legally.

Representative Park later expressed gratitude for the ministry's rapid response, writing on his blog that "NewJeans Hanni's visa has been issued and she can continue her activities." He also called for continued support for excellent foreign talent seeking to work in South Korea.

Agency Pressure Allegations

Hanni's representatives alleged that ADOR attempted to obstruct the new visa application process through various forms of pressure. According to sources close to the situation, the agency refused to provide necessary documentation and signatures required for the visa renewal process.

These allegations, while not officially confirmed by ADOR, raised questions about the ethics of using immigration status as leverage in contract disputes. Industry observers noted that such practices could potentially violate both employment law and immigration regulations.

Implications for K-pop Industry

Hanni's visa situation has sparked broader discussions about the legal protections available to foreign artists in the Korean entertainment industry. As K-pop continues its global expansion, the number of international members in Korean groups has significantly increased, making immigration policy increasingly relevant to the industry's operations.

Legal experts emphasized the need for systemic reforms to prevent management companies from using visa sponsorship as a tool of control over foreign artists. Some proposed creating alternative visa pathways that would provide greater independence for established entertainers.

Future Activities and Fan Response

With her visa status secured, Hanni can now participate in NewJeans' planned activities scheduled for February 21, when the group intends to resume operations under their new independent structure. The resolution allows all five members to continue their careers without the uncertainty that had clouded their future.

International fans expressed relief and gratitude on social media platforms, with many praising the Korean government's responsive handling of the situation. The positive resolution has been viewed as supportive of artistic freedom and international collaboration in the entertainment industry.

The successful resolution of Hanni's visa crisis represents more than just an individual victory; it signals South Korea's commitment to maintaining its position as a global entertainment hub while protecting the rights of international artists who contribute to its cultural success.

Original: https://trendy.storydot.kr/entertainment/newjeans-hanni-visa-resolution/