NewJeans’ Hanni Reportedly Refuses ADOR’s Visa Extension, Raising Activity Uncertainty
Feb 11, 2025
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On the 11th, the TV Daily reported that "Hani's visa for domestic residence, a dual Australian and Vietnamese national, 'E-6 visa' expired earlier this month. As a result, Hani is no longer allowed to engage in entertainment activities in Korea. The exclusive contract lawsuit filed by Adore has not been completed, so it is impossible to bear the risk of signing a contract with a new agency, but it is reported that Adore prepared all the documents for extending Hani's visa and tried to apply for an extension, but Hani refused to sign it.
In this regard, Odor added that it did not disclose its position, saying it could not confirm it (regarding Hani's visa question)."
The five members of the New Jeans, who notified Adore of the termination of their exclusive contract at the end of November last year and changed their team name, are scheduled to participate in a concert in Hong Kong in March. It plans to release a new song in Hong Kong as its first official move since changing the team name to NJZ.
Some interpret that the ban on full-scale entertainment activities in Korea due to the expiration of Hani's art promotion (E-6) visa, a foreign member, may be the background of the move to Hong Kong.
Audor has filed a lawsuit against Newzins members to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract. It maintains that the exclusive contract is still valid, such as applying for a prohibited provisional disposition such as preserving the status of an agency and signing an advertising contract.
However, on the 7th of this month, Newzins released its new team name and photo on its official social media (SNS). It also announced the appearance of the Global Street Fashion and Culture Festival 'ComplexCon' at the Asia World Expo in Hong Kong from the 21st to the 23rd of next month.
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'E-6 Visa', which Hani needs, can be issued only when an overseas entertainer has an employment contract with a domestic agency. According to Hani, he is not affiliated with Ador and has not signed a contract with a new agency. He turned down Odor's visa contract extension and became an illegal resident himself.
According to the Ministry of Justice, even foreign nationals whose visas have expired can stay in Korea if they are litigants. However, entertainment activities are impossible.
Unless Hani's visa is resolved, it is difficult to work as a whole group of five, whether it is NewJeans or NJZ.
lyn@sportschosun.com
