NJZ (NewJeans) Hanni’s Visa Obtained via Politician? Fierce Public Criticism

Recently, it was announced that member Hanni from girl group NJZ (NewJeans) has successfully got her visa reissued, thus ensuring her future activities in Korea. However, as the Democratic Party Representative Park Ji-won shared a blog post highlighting his efforts to secure a visa for Hanni, he has been drowned in criticism and accused of “abuse of power”. 

In particular, the politician said, “This morning, at the Judiciary Committee, we questioned Acting Minister of Justice Kim Seok-woo, urging swift processing, and expressed our gratitude to the Director of the Immigration Bureau under the Ministry of Justice for issuing the visa.”  

So far, Park Ji-won’s post only garnered six likes while receiving over 300 scathing messages from the public.  

“I’m not sure if you’re misinterpreting the situation due to a lack of information or if you’re only hearing one side from Min Hee-jin, but the NewJeans issue is a serious matter that affects the foundation of Korea’s entertainment industry.  If Hanni meets the visa requirements, there’s no issue. However, what NewJeans is doing right now is illegal and unethical—no different from President Yoon’s behavior. Even the Korea Entertainment Management Association, the Korea Music Content Association, and the stock market have removed NewJeans from the list of valuable Korean artists”, a netizen wrote, adding, “I was shocked that a lawmaker brought this issue up in the Judiciary Committee without having all the facts. As a Democratic Party supporter, I feel deeply ashamed. Please research this issue thoroughly and act appropriately.”

“The NewJeans controversy is a major civil contract dispute with two opposing sides… But the visa extension of an Australian-Vietnamese individual? Raising this issue in the National Assembly and pressuring the Ministry of Justice is shocking to me… You mentioned public frustration and export difficulties—how is that related to Hanni’s visa renewal? I am truly disappointed…”, another said.

In addition, comments such as, “Why is a lawmaker interfering in administrative matters? If this visa was issued without following proper procedures, does that mean the National Assembly is abusing its power?” and “Why is the Democratic Party helping resolve the visa issue of a specific artist? Korea has many foreign idols—are you going to help all of them like this?” can also be seen.