As the group NewJeans has announced the termination of their exclusive contract with their agency Adore, issues regarding foreign member Hani's visa have arisen.
According to legal sources on the 20th, Hani, who holds dual citizenship in Australia and Vietnam and does not have Korean nationality, is facing imminent visa expiration. It is reported that NewJeans is currently in a situation where they have no agency due to the contract termination notice, making it difficult to extend the visa.
However, Adore stated to Maeil Business Star Today regarding the issue, "The exclusive contract with NewJeans is still valid, so we are preparing the necessary documents for the visa extension according to the procedures."
Hani's visa is known to be an E-6 visa, which is issued on the condition of an employment contract with the agency. Foreigners must have an agency to work as entertainers in Korea, and the agency must renew the visa annually. Hani's visa is reported to expire early next year.
According to the Immigration Control Act, the E-6 visa is voided upon termination of the exclusive contract between the agency and the artist, and the individual also loses their residency status.
To maintain the E-6 visa, one must report a change of workplace within 15 days after leaving the current job. Additionally, they must change their residency status while staying in the country within 30 days. If a new employment contract is not signed, they must leave the country.
NewJeans can extend their visa after signing a new agency contract, but this requires Adore's consent for the transfer.
Including Hani, NewJeans held an emergency press conference on the 28th of last month to announce the termination of their exclusive contract with Adore. Since then, the members have been participating in various events but are promoting themselves under their individual names without directly mentioning "NewJeans."
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
