https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/culture/music/1182076.html
Feb 12 2025, 16:23 KST
Hanni's visa issue even discussed at National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee
NewJeans members who announced they would change their name to NJZ (NJZ). Photo provided by ComplexCon Hong Kong
NewJeans member Hanni, who announced that she would change the team name to NJZ (NJZ) while claiming termination of her exclusive contract, has been confirmed to have recently received a new visa.
According to the Hankyoreh's investigation on the 12th, Hanni recently received a legal visa through an administrative agent. A representative from Hanni's side told the Hankyoreh on this day, "Hanni has been issued a visa that allows her to stay according to legal procedures." They continued, "Despite receiving the visa according to established administrative procedures, false reports have emerged due to the leakage of personal information that should only be known to the individual or workplace, and complaints are being filed, leaving personal information and human rights completely unprotected."
Some entertainment media outlets actually reported that if Hanni leaves ADOR, she could become an illegal resident as she would no longer meet the requirements for an arts and entertainment (E-6) visa without an agency. This led some anti-fans to go as far as reporting Hanni to the Ministry of Justice as an illegal resident. However, with today's confirmation of Hanni's visa issuance, the illegal residence speculation appears to be settling down.
Hanni's visa issue became such a hot topic that it was even mentioned in the National Assembly. During today(12th)’s plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Democratic Party Representative Park Ji-won raised questions about Hanni's visa expiration and demanded a solution from the government. Rep. Park asked Acting Minister of Justice Kim Seok-woo, "Do you know NewJeans? Hanni there is about to be expelled for becoming an illegal resident. Are you aware of this?" To this, Acting Minister Kim replied, "I am aware. Our working-level staff is reviewing that matter, and we will look into it carefully."
Rep. Park Ji-won is questioning Acting Minister of Justice Kim Seok-woo about Hanni's arts and entertainment (E-6) visa expiration during a plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 12th. Yonhap News
Rep. Park said, "With our exports already struggling and citizens feeling frustrated, I hope the Ministry of Justice will take appropriate measures to allow idols to perform their activities freely and at their discretion." Acting Minister Kim responded, "Understood."
NewJeans members announced that following the reveal of their new team name NJZ on the 7th, they will perform and release a new song at the international music festival 'ComplexCon Hong Kong' on March 23rd. In response, ADOR stated to the press, "The exclusive contracts between the members and ADOR remain legally valid, and claims of termination are one-sided," requesting that they continue using the name NewJeans.
Reporter Lee Jeong-guk [email protected]