After controversy over alleged physical support in a marathon, SHINee’s Minho apologized, returned his record, and faced calls to review his ambassador role.
November/5/2026 12:09
Amid controversy over SHINee’s Minho receiving physical support at a marathon event, he apologized and even returned his record, and voices were raised calling for a review of the appropriateness of his activities as a public relations ambassador for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. According to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee yesterday (the 4th), a petition was received asking that they examine whether Minho’s continued ambassador activities are appropriate, and also confirm the application of the competition rules, record processing, and the basis for Minho’s assignment to Group B by the secretariat of the “2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon.” The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee plans to assign a person in charge to the complaint and investigate the related matter. Prior to this, in September last year, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee appointed Minho as a public relations ambassador. At the time, it announced that he would participate in public relations activities for the revitalization of recreational sports and the transmission of sports policy messages. Minho took part in the “2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon” held on the 1st. Minho, who challenged a full marathon for the first time, finished in 3 hours, 0 minutes, and 18 seconds. Although he missed sub-3, which is under 3 hours, by 18 seconds, he drew attention with an impressive record. However, afterward, mainly online, a video spread showing a person believed to be a pacemaker running with Minho appearing to push Minho’s back during the race, and some people raised objections. A pacemaker has the role of running together so that the runner can maintain a certain speed and breathing in line with the target time. However, under the 2026 technical rules of World Athletics applied to this competition, except in cases such as helping a fallen athlete stand up, moving forward while receiving physical support is prohibited. As the debate grew, Minho apologized through his own social media on the 3rd. He said, “This all happened because of my own immaturity, and as someone who values and loves sports, I am filled with shame. I myself do not accept the result of this marathon, and I will never forget what I learned through this process.” Then on the 4th, he voluntarily returned his finishing record to the organizer. The organizing side was also reported to have accepted Minho’s intention. • SHINee’s Minho completes his first full marathon! Attention drawn to his surprising time... commemorative photos also released • SHINee’s Minho completes his first full marathon, but suspicion of wrongdoing arises... apologizes: “I disappointed many people”
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