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Shinee’s Minho gives up marathon result following controversy over alleged physical assistance

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In short

The controversy emerged after video footage showed an accompanying pacemaker pushing the 34-year-old singer forward during the 42.195-kilometer course. Under World Athletics and Korea Association of Athletics Federations rules, receiving physical propulsion can lead to disqualification. Following public backlash, the artist issued an apology expressing deep shame and requested that his finishing time not be recognized. Race organizers agreed to withhold his official time on Nov. 4, though they deferred deciding if the amateur Masters division rules applied to the incident.

Key points

  • Technical regulations from World Athletics generally prohibit athletes from receiving phy…: Technical regulations from World Athletics generally prohibit athletes from receiving physical assistance that propels them forward.
  • The artist voluntarily surrendered his race result and issued a public apology prior to a…: The artist voluntarily surrendered his race result and issued a public apology prior to any formal organizational sanction.
  • Race officials have deferred ruling on amateur Masters division regulations, meaning no f…: Race officials have deferred ruling on amateur Masters division regulations, meaning no formal rule violation or disqualification was established.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The K-pop star apologised and voluntarily relinquished his marathon record after footage of another runner seemingly pushing him forward sparked allegations of a rule violation.

Shinee member Minho has voluntarily relinquished his marathon record after a video appearing to show another runner pushing him forward during the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon sparked controversy online.

The 34-year-old K-pop star participated in the marathon on Sunday (Nov 1), completing the 42.195km course in 3 hours and 18 seconds.

It was Minho’s first attempt at a full marathon, and his finishing time placed him just 18 seconds short of achieving a “sub-3”, a milestone among runners that refers to completing a marathon in under three hours.

Following the event, Minho shared his completion certificate on social media, expressing satisfaction with his performance despite narrowly missing his goal.

“Failed sub-3 by 18 seconds, but it was still a very valuable experience. Life is a marathon,” he wrote.

However, his achievement soon came under scrutiny after footage filmed during the race circulated widely on social media.

The video appeared to show a runner, described as…

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