A NewJeans member had visa problems, it was difficult to get to perform, BTS's father harmed?

On February 7, NewJeans members (Haerin, Hyein, Hanni, Minji, and Danielle) announced that they would be leaving their management company, ADOR, and revealed their new group name NJZ.

There are rumors that NJZ will join a company headed by producer Min Hee Jin's close friend.

However, ADOR expressed regret over the situation: "It is unfortunate that the members made this decision unilaterally, before there was a legal ruling on the validity of the exclusive contract with ADOR."

Despite ADOR's stance, NewJeans members are still adamant about using the name "NJZ," expressing their refusal to return to the company. However, as the lawsuit over the validity of their exclusive contract is still ongoing, legal experts including prominent lawyers in Korea have raised concerns about the legal risks to their independent activities.

Lawyer Ko Sang Rok from the YouTube channel Attack on Lawyer explains: "The 'NewJeans' trademark belongs to ADOR. Even if the members argue that the contract was terminated due to ADOR's fault, this does not give them rights to the trademark. If they are released from the contract without penalty, the use of the trademark would still constitute infringement. It seems that they created the abbreviation 'NJZ' as a temporary solution, but there is still the issue of trademark infringement. Under trademark law, infringement is a criminal offense. Their choice of name seems to pose a risk of criminal liability. Trademark infringement is assessed based on the likelihood of causing confusion to the public, and in this case, the members themselves are continuing to operate under a similar name. There is a 99.9% chance that legal authorities will consider 'NJZ' a confusingly similar trademark to 'NewJeans.'"

In addition to the name, the group's visa issue is also of great concern.

Accordingly, on the afternoon of February 12, the Hankyoreh newspaper reported that female idol singer Hanni of the group NJZ (formerly NewJeans) was granted a legal visa through an administrative agency.

A representative for Hanni confirmed: "Hanni has been granted a visa allowing her to stay in this country through the prescribed procedures."

“Although the visas were issued in accordance with legal administrative procedures, there were still many false articles circulating, due to leaked personal information that only the person concerned or the workplace would know,” he added.

As a result, complaints were filed, showing that personal information and human rights were completely unprotected."

However, My Daily questioned, it is unclear what type of visa Hanni was granted, or which agency she applied for the visa through.

However, it is reported that this is a different visa from the previous E-6 visa (arts and entertainment activities). Due to the current contract dispute with ADOR Company (under HYBE Group), the extension of the E-6 visa is not possible.

Normally, E-6 visa is issued for 1 year. Entertainment companies are responsible for renewing E-6 visa for foreign employees every year (contract required).

When the 5 members of NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein) announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR from November 29, 2024, the issue of residency of foreign members in the group was hotly discussed.

Notably, in Hanni's case, she is the only one who does not have Korean nationality.

ADOR stated, "Because NewJeans' exclusive contract is still valid, all visa extension documents have been prepared."

However, recently many Korean newspapers still question whether Hanni is an illegal immigrant.

On February 11, it was reported that Hanni did not sign the documents prepared by ADOR to renew her visa. In response, ADOR cautiously said: "We cannot confirm this."

In addition, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Ji Won told Vice Justice Minister Kim Seok Woo at a session of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee on February 12: "One of the members of the popular idol group Hanni is at risk of becoming an illegal immigrant.

Please, the Ministry of Justice, take measures to ensure that idols can continue to operate smoothly."

NewJeans officially changed its name, immediately suspected of copying aespa's logo Keng13:27:50 08/02/2025According to the Koreaherald, the members of K-pop girl group NewJeans - Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein - have changed the group's name to NJZ and announced their first independent activities, including a performance at an upcoming event in Hong Kong (China).