Police investigate alleged visa information leak regarding NewJeans member Hanni

Seoul Yongsan Police Station has launched an investigation into allegations that the agency Ador unlawfully disclosed the visa information of NewJeans member Hanni to media outlets. The probe follows a complaint filed by culture critic Kim Sung-soo, alleging violations of the Personal Information Protection Act.

Investigators are examining whether specific details, such as Hanni’s visa category and expiration date, constitute protected personal information. The complainant alleges that Ador employees leaked internal details regarding Hanni’s visa extension process to entertainment media to use her immigration status as leverage during an ongoing contract dispute.

The leak reportedly aimed to support a narrative that Hanni could become an undocumented resident in South Korea if she were to leave the agency. Hanni, who holds Australian and Vietnamese citizenship, has been working in Korea on an E-6 culture and entertainment visa.