NewJeans Hanni Reported as Illegal Alien Amid Contract Dispute
On December 20, 2024, South Korean media outlet 10Asia reported that NewJeans member Hanni had been reported to South Korean Customs as an illegal alien. An unidentified individual filed a complaint demanding her deportation, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing contract dispute between NewJeans and their former agency, ADOR.
Visa Complications and Legal Implications
Hanni, who holds dual citizenship in Australia and Vietnam, requires an annual visa renewal to work in South Korea. The complaint argues that since NewJeans claimed termination of their contract with ADOR on November 28, Hanni’s E-6 entertainment visa, initially sponsored by the agency, is no longer valid. According to South Korean immigration laws, Hanni should have left the country within 15 days of the claimed contract termination.
However, legal experts suggest that Hanni is unlikely to be immediately considered an illegal alien. Immigration authorities may still view her as employed by ADOR due to the ongoing legal dispute over the contract’s validity. ADOR maintains that their contract with NewJeans remains in effect and has stated they are preparing the necessary documents for Hanni’s visa extension.
So for the question, ‘Will NewJeans Hanni get deported?,’ the legal experts say the possibility will be extremely low.
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