New Jeans Announces Team Name NJZ Amidst Visa Expiration Concerns for Member Hani
K-pop girl group New Jeans has recently revealed their new team name, NJZ, as they express their intent to continue their activities independently. However, a concern has emerged regarding member Hani’s visa expiration. Hani, who holds dual citizenship in Australia and Vietnam, has been residing and performing in South Korea on an E-6 visa, which she obtained through her agency, Ador.
What is an E-6 Visa?
The E-6 visa is specifically designed for foreign nationals involved in cultural and artistic activities in South Korea, including entertainers, singers, actors, and models. This visa is tied to the individual’s contract with their agency; if the contract ends, the visa may become invalid. According to the Immigration Control Act, if the contract is terminated, the performer must either apply to change their residency status or secure a new employment contract within 15 days.
View the E-6 Visa Extension Manual
Hani’s Visa Expiration and Challenges with Independent Activities
As the E-6 visa is linked to specific artistic engagements, Hani cannot maintain her residency status after her contract with her agency ends. While it is possible for her to extend her existing E-6 visa by signing with a new agency, the law stipulates that any transfer of employment requires consent from the original employer (Ador). Given that it has already been over 15 days since the members announced their contract terminations, Hani finds herself in a tricky situation.
Although there is a route for Hani to obtain a new E-6 visa after leaving the country, this process does not require Ador’s approval. However, it can be quite complicated, often taking 2-3 months to gather necessary paperwork and navigate the intricate application process.