Footage shows another runner touching the singer's back which some say could amount to a rule violation
Shinee member Choi Minho's first full marathon run has sparked debate after footage appeared to show another runner touching his back during the race.
Minho completed the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon on Sunday, finishing in 3 hours and 18 seconds. He announced his finish on social media later that day.
"Missed sub-3 by 18 seconds. Still, it was such a valuable experience. Life is a marathon," he wrote. Sub-3 refers to finishing a full marathon under 3 hours, a widely recognized goal among amateur runners.
Shortly after, videos of Minho from the marathon spread online, showing a man believed to be his pacemaker running behind Minho and placing a hand near his waist and back. Some viewers called for his result to be disqualified, while others said the footage alone was not enough to establish a rules violation.
World Athletics rules prohibit "physical support from another athlete that helps a runner move forward, except when it helps them recover to a standing position." The key question is whether the contact actually aided Minho's progress.
Before the JTBC Seoul Marathon, Minho placed third in the men’s amateur 35-39 age group at the 2026 World Triathlon Cup Tongyeong on Oct. 24.
Any ruling would also depend on the event's regulations and the race officials' assessment. Organizers have not yet announced an official ruling.
tammy@heraldcorp.com
