[K-enter] NJZ Hanni Secures A New South Korean Visa

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim.

Our first story for today is about one of the members of NJZ, or still known to many as NewJeans?

Hanni has received a new visa to stay in South Korea. According to the Instagram account managed by NJZ members' parents, Hanni, a Vietnamese-Australian, received a new visa this Tuesday after her previous visa reportedly expired earlier this month. Foreigners wishing to work in the local entertainment industry are required to obtain an E-6 visa, which typically allows for a stay of up to two years. The Instagram post did not state the type of visa Hanni received.

The parents also mentioned that the group's agency, ADOR, pressured Hanni and the parents to sign a visa extension agreement that stated ADOR as Hanni's agency, saying that she is at risk of becoming an illegal resident.

Meanwhile, NJZ rebranded itself last week after a dispute with ADOR although ADOR had expressed its discontent towards that rebranding as Walter reported earlier this week. Their first performance under the new name will be at the music festival "ComplexCon" in Hong Kong next month.

Next we have another story on some other female artists?

That's right. On Wednesday it was revealed that girl group aespa and Jennie from BLACKPINK are set to be honored at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music awards.

Jennie will receive the 'Global Force Award.' According to Billboard, Jennie has taken over the charts and stages across the world, both as a member of BLACKPINK and as a solo artist. She is gearing up to release her debut solo album, "Ruby," on March 7th.

Another winner, aespa, will receive the 'Group of the Year' award as they were recognized for expanding their global tour and releasing their album, "Armageddon," in May 2024.

Billboard Women in Music celebrates the incredible women who continue to drive innovation, inspire change, and reshape the future of music.

Girl group Twice and NJZ are previous winners.

The 2025 Billboard Women in Music award ceremony will take place on March 29th at YouTube Theater in Hollywood Park, California.

Our last story for today is on a new movie or should I say concert?

"Lee Chan-won Concert Changa: Dear My Chance," a concert film about trot singer Lee Chan-won, will premiere on the 26th of this month. The film will show Lee Chan-won's energetic and passionate performances along with his life stories. His first concert film will also include behind-the-scenes of his concert tour.

Lee Chan-won's 2024 nationwide tour, "Changa," was held in 8 different cities, including Seoul, Incheon, Busan, and Daegu.

The film, "Lee Chan-won Concert Changa: Dear My Chance," will premiere on February 26th, exclusively at CGV theaters.

Thank you Bella for today's stories.

Now let's find out what our AI anchor Ari has in store for other culture-related news.