Pop culture critic Kim Sung Soo filed a criminal complaint against ADOR.
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ADOR could face up to five years in prison if allegations that the company intentionally leaked NewJeans member Hanni‘s visa information are proven true.
| ADOR
A police investigation recently began after pop culture critic Kim Sung Soo filed a criminal complaint against ADOR and company employees for allegedly violating South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act.
The complaint alleges that ADOR deliberately disclosed details of Hanni’s E-6 entertainment visa to media outlets during its contract dispute with NewJeans to strengthen its position.
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While Hanni’s visa information is not legally classified as “sensitive information” under South Korean law, it is still considered personal information because it can identify a specific individual.
| Yonhap
As Hanni’s agency, ADOR is considered a personal information handler because it manages visa-related matters on behalf of its artists. Under South Korean law, anyone who unlawfully discloses personal information obtained through their work can face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to ₩50.0 million KRW (about $34,400 USD).
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That means if investigators determine ADOR intentionally leaked Hanni’s visa information without authorization, the company and those responsible could face criminal penalties.
| ADOR
The complaint was filed after reports claimed Hanni could become an undocumented resident if she left ADOR, citing her E-6 entertainment visa.
| ADOR
Legal experts, however, explained that while an E-6 visa is tied to employment with a specific agency, a foreign artist does not immediately become an undocumented resident when a contract ends. Immigration authorities generally provide a short grace period, usually between 14 and 30 days, for the visa holder to either find a new sponsor, change to another eligible visa, or leave the country.
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The investigation is ongoing, and it has not yet been determined whether ADOR intentionally leaked Hanni’s personal information. If the allegations are substantiated, those involved could face the penalties outlined under South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act.