Newjeans’ Hanni Faces Visa Challenges Amid Contract Dispute With ADOR

Member Hanni has experienced legal and immigration concerns as a result of recent episodes with NewJeans and her breakup from the group ADOR.

According to a report on December 20, 2024, South Korean Customs classified Hanni as an illegal immigrant after an anonymous person complained about her. Although ADOR earlier guaranteed that her visa renewal was in progress, this comes after rumours that her visa was close to expiring. The situation has gotten more complex since the agency denied the group’s public claim of contract termination last month.

Hanni, a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, is in possession of an E-6 visa, which is typically granted to foreign entertainers visiting South Korea. ​However, employment with a sponsoring organization is a prerequisite for these visas. Since South Korean immigration law requires a new visa application or sponsor approval within 15 days of contract termination, Hanni’s visa would have expired on December 13 if the termination claim is valid. ADOR is unlikely to help in transferring her visa to another agency because they still insist that the contract is valid

Danielle is unaffected, as she is a fellow member who holds dual citizenship in Korea and Australia, but Hanni may be deported if her visa status is not resolved. As her existing status might make her an unlawful resident, she has two options: either to apply for a new visa overseas or to find a new organisation that can sponsor her. A settlement is not so clear because of the judicial disputes between ADOR and NewJeans, especially as hostilities with HYBE’s parent business make things more complicated.