NewJeans' Hani Faces Immigration Controversy Amid Departure Rumors

Hani of NewJeans has recently been reported for illegal residency, sparking speculation about her potential departure to Australia. On January 10, the Seoul Immigration Office confirmed that a report had been filed through the National Petition System regarding Hani's status. They stated that appropriate actions would be taken once the employment relationship is resolved.

As a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, Hani requires an extension of her E-6 visa to continue her activities in South Korea. The report stems from NewJeans' announcement at the end of November that they were no longer affiliated with their agency, Ador. Following this declaration, they were expected to return their foreign registration cards by December 13, leading to the suspicion that Hani may not have complied.

Hani's visa, issued through Ador, is set to expire in January 2025. Although there are concerns about her residency status, it appears that she has been fulfilling her commitments with Ador until recently, suggesting that she may not be in violation of immigration laws yet.

However, rumors have circulated among fans that Hani has already left for Australia, intensifying the controversy. YouTuber Lee Jin-ho reached out to Ador for clarification on Hani's whereabouts but was informed that they could not confirm the members' locations as they had completed their scheduled activities.

Despite the uncertainty, Ador has reportedly prepared all necessary documentation for Hani's visa renewal, although they have not been able to contact her. Additionally, there are rumors that NewJeans' advertising deals are drying up, but Ador has remained tight-lipped, citing the need to protect their artists.

For Hani, the urgency of renewing her visa complicates her situation, especially after declaring her split from Ador. If she has indeed left the country, obtaining a new visa through a different agency could take 2-3 months, leaving her future activities in limbo.

Meanwhile, NewJeans announced their independent activities following the termination of their contract with Ador on November 29, while Ador maintains that the contract is still valid and is preparing the necessary paperwork for visa extension.