JustUpdateOnline.com – SHINee member Minho has officially requested that his recent marathon results be invalidated following a wave of online criticism regarding his conduct during the race. The K-pop star, known for his athletic prowess, chose to step away from his recorded time after footage suggested he received prohibited physical aid during the event.
The 34-year-old performer participated in the JTBC Seoul Marathon on November 1, marking his debut in the full 42.195-kilometer distance. Minho crossed the finish line with a notable time of 3 hours and 18 seconds, narrowly missing the prestigious "sub-3" mark—a benchmark in the running community for completing a marathon in under three hours.
Initially, Minho shared his results on social media, expressing a sense of accomplishment despite missing his target by a mere 18 seconds. However, the celebration was short-lived as video clips from the course began circulating across various digital platforms.
The footage in question appeared to show a pacemaker—a runner designated to help others maintain a specific tempo—placing his hands on Minho’s back and waist. Observers noted that the pacemaker seemed to be physically pushing the singer forward, which sparked a heated debate regarding the fairness of his performance.
Under the technical regulations established by World Athletics and the Korea Association of Athletics Federations, participants are strictly forbidden from receiving physical assistance that propels them forward. While exceptions exist for helping a fallen runner to their feet, receiving a physical "push" is a violation that typically leads to immediate disqualification.
In light of the mounting pressure and public scrutiny, Minho issued a formal apology on November 3. He expressed deep regret for the incident, stating that his passion for sports made the situation particularly embarrassing for him.
"I am deeply sorry for disappointing so many people during the marathon," the artist shared. He further clarified that he would not acknowledge his finishing time and viewed the experience as a significant life lesson. He also extended his respect to fellow runners who trained rigorously for the competition, promising to be more mindful in the future.
By November 4, the organizers of the JTBC Seoul Marathon confirmed they had accepted Minho’s decision to withdraw his results. Consequently, no official finishing record will be issued for the singer.
While the organizing committee has not officially disqualified him—noting that they are still evaluating how professional technical rules apply to the amateur "Masters" category—Minho’s voluntary forfeiture has effectively closed the matter. The incident has highlighted the complexities of enforcing athletic regulations when public figures participate in amateur sporting events.
