SHINee Minho Faces Controversy Following Marathon Incident

Minho, a member of SHINee (real name Choi Minho), completed the full 42.195km course at the “2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon” held on November 1, 2026, in 3 hours 00 minutes 18 seconds. This was Minho’s first full-marathon finish in his career.

Controversy arose after a video went viral online showing Minho appearing to receive physical assistance from a pacer he was running alongside during the race. The video captured the pacer pushing Minho’s back and waist.

The Korean Olympic Committee received this case on November 4, 2026, and will examine whether to continue appointing Minho as its ambassador. Additionally, the committee has demanded an investigation into how the “JTBC Seoul Marathon” organizing committee applied race rules, processed times, and determined participant grouping.

According to criteria published by the organizing committee on September 30, 2026, participants with times between 3 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds and 3 hours 27 minutes 54 seconds are assigned to Group B. Minho’s time falls within this range.

World Athletics’ technical rules for 2026 prohibit athletes from moving forward with the help of another person’s physical force, with the exception of helping a fallen athlete get up.

On November 3, 2026, Minho posted on social media stating, “I am sorry for disappointing many people with my performance in the marathon.” He added, “Everything happened due to my own shortcomings, and as someone who values and loves sports, I feel immense shame. I am sorry for causing you further concern.”

A complainant submitted a report to the Korean Olympic Committee through the National Citizens’ Complaint Center via an online community on November 4, 2026. The report requested confirmation whether the pacer’s physical contact violated race rules, an explanation for Minho’s assignment to Group B, and an assessment of whether it was appropriate to keep him as an ambassador.