Pressure Over Hanni’s Visa Extension

Hello.

Yesterday and today, speculative articles about Hanni’s residency status in Korea have been pouring out, and false information has been spreading. We would like to set the record straight.

Hanni obtained a new visa yesterday (February 11) through proper legal procedures.

ADOR pressured both Hanni and her parents by exploiting the sensitive issue of visas—which is naturally a delicate matter for foreign residents in Korea—by sending emails demanding that she sign an extension consent form listing ADOR as her agency, warning that failure to comply could result in illegal residency status. Furthermore, ADOR submitted documents requiring personal information and her signature to the relevant authorities without her consent, only notifying her after the fact—behavior that defies common sense.

Some media outlets have been recklessly using the term “illegal resident” based on unverified information and spreading false rumors, even prompting unnecessary public complaints. Additionally, visa processing details that can only be confirmed through personal information have been leaked to the media, with sources cited as “an anonymous music industry insider” or “multiple music industry sources.” While today’s articles state that “ADOR’s position could not be confirmed,” the original report claimed that “ADOR had prepared all documents for visa extension and attempted to file, but the individual refused to sign the visa extension.”

Including speculative reports about the type and expiration date of her visa—personal information that there is no obligation to disclose—approximately 70 articles have been published just yesterday and today, causing serious infringement of her rights. We express deep regret that information that only “the individual” or “ADOR,” which possesses the members’ personal information, could provide has been recklessly disseminated through the media.

Using or leaking personal information without consent is unacceptable, and media outlets that publish such information without verification are equally at fault. The situation has been escalating, with previous instances of using individual members’ personal information to obtain their entry and exit records.

We are considering legal action to protect the members.

Thank you for reading this long statement. We apologize for causing concern and inconvenience to our fans.

Please take care of your health. Thank you.