What Happens To NewJeans’ Hanni’s Visa Following Contract Termination With ADOR? ADOR says this
NewJeans member Hanni’s ability to continue working in South Korea is now uncertain due to visa issues if the agency relationship ends.
On the 20th of December, legal sources revealed that Hanni, who holds dual Australian and Vietnamese citizenship and lacks South Korean nationality, is facing an imminent visa expiration. Without an agency, extending her visa would reportedly be challenging.
However, ADOR responded to concerns, telling SPOTV News, “NewJeans’ exclusive contract remains valid, and we are preparing the necessary documents to extend Hanni’s visa.”
Hanni holds an E-6 visa for entertainment purposes, which is issued under the condition of an employment contract with an agency. To obtain this visa, a copy of the exclusive contract with an agency registered under the Pop Culture Industry Promotion Act must be submitted. Essential documents also include a letter of guarantee from the agency’s representative and an employment recommendation letter issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
If the exclusive contract is terminated, the visa becomes invalid. As NewJeans declared their intent to end their contract with ADOR, Hanni’s visa issued through the agency would also lose its validity.
Furthermore, immigration laws stipulate that, in the event of contract termination, an application for a workplace change must be filed within 15 days, or a visa status change must be applied for within 30 days. Without a new employment contract, Hanni would be required to leave the country.
The E-6 visa is issued for one year and must be renewed annually by the agency. Hanni’s current visa, issued through ADOR, reportedly expires early next year.
Previously, NewJeans held an urgent press conference on the 28th of last month, claiming that ADOR failed to address violations of the exclusive contract and declared their intention to pursue independent activities. On the 29th, the group officially notified ADOR of their decision to terminate the contract.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court seeking legal confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract.
Stay tuned for more updates on this matter!
Source: (A)
