SHINee's Minho Apologizes Following Marathon Assistance Controversy
K-pop star Minho has issued an apology after footage emerged of a pacer pushing him during the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon, sparking debate over race regulations.
Choi Min-ho, a member of the South Korean boy band SHINee, has publicly apologized following a controversy during the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon. The 30-year-old singer and actor completed the 42.195-kilometer full marathon with a time of 3 hours and 18 seconds, maintaining an average pace of 4 minutes and 16 seconds per kilometer. He finished 1,137th overall and 1,112th in the men's category.
However, the achievement became the subject of intense online debate after images surfaced showing a pacer using their hands to push Minho’s back during the race. This led to widespread questioning regarding whether the assistance violated rules against 'Unfair Assistance' in competitive running. In response to the criticism, Minho posted an apology on his Instagram story, addressing the incident directly.
For residents and visitors interested in local sporting events, this incident highlights the strict adherence to competition rules in major marathons. While the event has concluded, it remains to be confirmed whether race organizers will take any formal action regarding the pacer's conduct or if the singer's official race results will be impacted by the investigation into the alleged rule violation. Fans and sports enthusiasts continue to monitor the situation for further updates from the event committee.
