The K-Pop group NewJeans finds itself embroiled in controversy after member Hani has been reported as illegal due to her recent claims about terminating her contract with the agency ADOR. This situation raises questions about her legal status and future activities within South Korea, sparking debates among fans and industry watchers.
On the 20th of the month, reports emerged indicating Hani, who holds dual nationality from Australia and Vietnam, was reported by an internet user under the title "Application for Deportation of Illegal Resident Phạm Ngọc Hân" to the Ministry of Justice's Immigration Policy Headquarters. The crux of the issue lies in Hani's assertion last month, on the 29th, about having ended her contract with ADOR, which she claims would invalidate her visa.
According to industry sources, Hani was issued her visa as part of her contract with ADOR. Under South Korean law, foreign entertainers must possess either citizenship or legally obtained work permits. For non-citizens like Hani, obtaining the E-6 visa, which allows foreign nationals to work as entertainers, requires affiliation with a registered entertainment agency and adherence to several documentation prerequisites.
When she declared the termination of her contract with ADOR, legalities assert she was required to return her foreign registration card and exit Korea within 15 days. That deadline would have been the 13th of this month. Given her continued activities, it raised suspicions leading to the illegal resident report against her.
Insider commentary suggests Hani could potentially remedy her status by obtaining another E-6 visa, contingent upon signing with another agency. The process for this new visa may take two to three months, involving multiple documents including a new contract, proof of registration, and recommendations from the Ministry of Culture. Still, if Hani were to renew her E-6 visa with another agency, she would require consent from ADOR, which she is currently disputing.
According to ADOR, they maintain the validity of Hani's contract and are preparing necessary documentation to extend her visa. A spokesperson for ADOR mentioned, "The contract with NewJeans is still valid, and we are currently preparing the paperwork to extend Hani’s visa. There might be misunderstandings due to her recent declarations."
During this time, all five members of NewJeans held an emergency press conference on the 28th of last month, announcing their intent to terminate contracts with ADOR, claiming non-fulfillment of contractual obligations by the agency. This announcement has since led them to continue their activities independently, though they have not officially used the band name, promoting their personal pursuits instead.
The legal ramifications surrounding this case could have long-lasting effects not only on Hani’s career but also on NewJeans as they manage their affiliation with ADOR amid these disputes. The situation serves as another reminder of the complex legal environment surrounding K-Pop, where foreign artists navigate stringent immigration laws and agency contracts.
Industry experts have noted the challenges Hani faces as her case raises issues of contractual rights versus visa compliance. They believe even if she was reported as illegal, the immigration authorities might still interpret her status as associated with ADOR, pending final resolution of the contract dispute.
This controversy highlights notable aspects of the K-Pop industry, where youthful idols often find themselves ensnared by complicated legal frameworks related to their contracts and residency. With fans eager for resolution, many will be watching closely to see how this saga plays out.
