Hanni, a former member of NewJeans, now NJZ, has recently made headlines for refusing to sign visa extension documents prepared by ADOR. According to reports from TV Daily, Hanni, who holds dual citizenship in Australia and Vietnam, saw her E-6 visa for South Korea expire earlier this month, restricting her from participating in entertainment activities in the country. This situation also puts her at risk of not being able to sign with a new agency as the exclusive contract lawsuit with ADOR remains unresolved.
While ADOR had reportedly taken the necessary steps to facilitate Hanni's visa extension, she chose not to sign the documents. When approached for a comment on Hanni's visa status, ADOR declined to confirm the information, leaving the situation open to speculation.
Last November, the five members of the now-rebranded NJZ terminated their contract with ADOR, setting the stage for their upcoming concert in Hong Kong this March. This event will mark NJZ's official debut post-rebranding, with plans to release new music during their appearance in Hong Kong.
The timing of Hanni's visa expiration limiting her local activities in Korea has led some to believe that the group's decision to pursue international performances was influenced by this development. Despite legal disputes with ADOR regarding their contract, the members of NJZ seem determined to push forward with their music and global engagements.
While ADOR continues its legal efforts to enforce the exclusivity of the former NewJeans' contract, the group has taken strides to establish its new identity and projects. They recently announced their participation in 'ComplexCon,' a street fashion and culture festival in Hong Kong, culminating in the release of their debut song on March 23.
During a recent live broadcast on NJZ's social media, the members addressed their fans, with reassurances from Minji and Hyein regarding their future plans. Despite the ongoing challenges, the group remains committed to their music and performances.
Hanni's situation, tied to her visa status and contractual disputes, poses a potential obstacle for NJZ's activities in Korea. With the visa issue unresolved, the group might face difficulties in fully operating as a five-member ensemble.
In the midst of these developments, ADOR has requested media outlets to refer to the group as 'NewJeans,' not 'NJZ,' emphasizing their position on the ongoing legal matters.