1. Hani of NewJeans Reports Illegal Stay in Korea and Government Response

Recently, Hani, a member of the popular K-pop girl group NewJeans, found herself at the center of a controversy regarding her residency status in South Korea. A report was submitted claiming that she is residing in the country illegally. In response, the Ministry of Justice, the responsible government department, announced that they would take appropriate action once Hani’s employment situation is clarified. Hani is currently in South Korea under an Entertainment (E-6) visa, which allows her to work based on her contract with her agency.

From a legal and administrative perspective, immigration issues are sensitive matters that require both fairness and efficient oversight. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved transparency in procedures and the establishment of better systems to ensure legal residency for foreign artists.

2. Hani’s Visa Status and Contractual Disputes with ADOR

Hani, a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, is facing a pressing situation as her E-6 visa, issued under her exclusive contract with ADOR, is set to expire soon. ADOR has stated that Hani’s contract with NewJeans is still valid and that they are in the process of preparing the necessary documents for her visa extension. However, Hani has declared that she terminated her contract with ADOR last November, leading to an ongoing dispute. If her contract is indeed terminated, she would need to secure a new employment contract or find alternative means to maintain her residency status.

This scenario poses a significant challenge, illustrating how the contractual relationship between an agency and an artist can directly impact the legal stability of foreign performers in the K-pop industry. It raises important questions about how to better protect the legal status of international artists working in South Korea.

3. Expert Advice and the Importance of Relevant Regulations

Experts emphasize the need for foreign idols to manage their visa issues meticulously. Timely preparation of employment contracts and related documents, along with regular checks on the status of contracts, are crucial to maintaining their residency rights. As the K-pop industry continues to globalize, there is an increasing need for clear guidelines and support systems to minimize legal and administrative issues between foreign artists and their agencies.

4. Implications of the Incident

This controversy has underscored the legal and administrative risks that foreign artists may face regarding their visa statuses while working in South Korea. Proper management of such issues should involve collaboration between agencies and the government, with systematic support and preventive measures put in place. This case could serve as a pivotal moment for enhancing legal stability within Korea’s global cultural industry.

For more information on extending the E-6 visa duration for entertainers in Korea, please refer to the following article:
View the Entertainment (E-6) Visa Extension Manual