NewJeans’ Hanni was reported to South Korea’s immigration office for allegedly staying illegally.
According to SPOTV News, an anonymous citizen submitted a complaint regarding the idol’s visa status to the national petition.
The Investigation Division of the Ministry of Justice of the Seoul Immigration Bureau released a statement on January 10, announcing a plan to take action once Hanni and NewJeans’ contract termination procedures are resolved under the ADOR label.
“We intend to take appropriate measures as soon as the employment relationship between the parties is resolved,” they said.
Hanni, a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, does not hold Korean citizenship and remains in the country on her E-6 artist visa, which allows her to reside and work in Korea.
To continue residing and working in Korea, the NewJeans member should extend their E-6 visa, which is usually granted for a period of one year and is renewed annually through their agency.
According to a report from Hanni, Hanni’s visa, issued through NewJeans’ ADOR label, expired in December TenAsia.
If the girls’ claims to terminate the contract hold, Hanni would technically be residing illegally in Korea as of December 14th.
The Seoul Immigration Bureau, keeping track of ongoing cases, explained that Hanni’s visa situation remains convoluted without the termination of the contract with ADOR.
“It is difficult to answer personal details, such as whether or not a specific foreigner has violated the Immigration Control Act,” they said.
“For foreign artists staying in Korea with an E-6 visa, the Immigration Bureau determines the qualification of national residence and the period of stay based on employment contracts with national agencies, and plans to take corresponding measures a once the employment relationship between the parties is terminated.”
