Police in Seoul are investigating claims that ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary, improperly shared information about NewJeans member Hanni’s visa during the company’s legal dispute with the singer. The Seoul Yongsan Police Station questioned attorney Park Kang-hoon on August 10, 2026. Park represents culture critic Kim Sung soo, who filed a complaint against ADOR and several employees for violations of South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act.
“The Personal Information Protection Act does not apply only to information that cannot be obtained elsewhere,” Park said to reporters on Monday, August 10. “If information belonging to an individual’s private sphere is disclosed through unauthorized channels, it may constitute a violation of the law.”
Investigators focused on whether details such as Hanni’s visa type and expiration date should be protected as personal information. Park claimed that some ADOR employees shared details about Hanni’s visa extension process with entertainment media outlets in South Korea. Kim alleged that the information supported reports suggesting Hanni could lose her legal status in South Korea if she left ADOR. Hanni has Australian and Vietnamese citizenship and had been working under an E 6 culture and entertainment visa as a member of NewJeans.
The alleged legal issue drew attention during Hanni’s dispute over NewJeans’ contract with HYBE’s ADOR. The then quintet was attempting to leave the company citing mistreatment and breach of trust. However, concerns decreased after it was confirmed that Hanni had received a new visa. Ultimately, the group decided to return to the company after their contract remained valid. Meanwhile, NewJeans released their first group content in more than a year after suspending activities following ComplexCon Hong Kong in March 2025. ADOR said no decision has been made about future NewJeans activities and that information will be shared after discussions with the members.
