SHINee's MINHO faces controversy over pacemaker contact during Seoul marathon

MINHO completed the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon on the 1st with a time of 3:00:18, missing his sub-3 goal by 18 seconds. Controversy has emerged after video footage appeared to show a pacemaker using their hands to push his back, raising questions about whether the physical contact violated World Athletics regulations against receiving propulsion.

SHINee's MINHO completed his first full-course marathon with a time in the 3-hour range, but the joy of finishing has turned into an unexpected regulatory controversy. The issue arose after footage was released showing a pacemaker using their hands to push MINHO's back during the race. Critics are questioning whether this went beyond simple assistance in maintaining pace and instead provided physical propulsion through bodily contact. Following MINHO's impressive performance in his first attempt, whether the achievement violates race regulations has emerged as a new point of contention.

MINHO participated in the '2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon' held on the 1st. Despite the poor weather and rain, he continued the race to complete the 42.195km full course, demonstrating strong competitive spirit and physical stamina. Given that it was his first attempt at a full course, the record itself drew significant attention.

The finishing time MINHO released was 3:00:18. He missed his goal of "sub-3"—a common target for marathon enthusiasts to finish a full course in under 3 hours—by a mere 18 seconds. Expressing his joy at "safely completing the first full marathon," MINHO shared both his disappointment and sense of achievement, stating, "failed sub3... 18 seconds... still such a valuable experience. The reason life is a marathon."

However, after news of his completion spread, a specific scene captured during the race drew more attention than the record itself. A video posted on an online community shows a runner, appearing to be a pacemaker, using their hands to push the back of MINHO as he runs. While a pacemaker's role is to help a runner maintain a steady speed to meet a target time, arguments have been raised that if the action in the video provided physical propulsion rather than simple pace adjustment, it could be problematic.

The core of the controversy lies in the permitted scope of assistance in a marathon. The technical rules of World Athletics prohibit athletes from receiving physical assistance that helps propel them in the direction of running during a race. According to these regulations, an athlete receiving such assistance may be disqualified, though exceptions are made for actions such as helping a falling runner stand up. Therefore, if it is determined that the pacemaker's act of pushing his back provided actual propulsion, critics point out that the violation of race regulations must be examined.

Online reactions are divided. Some opinions suggest that if it constitutes a rule violation, he should be disqualified regardless of the record, while others urge caution, arguing that it is difficult to determine the exact situation, the intensity of the contact, or the actual effect of the propulsion from a short video alone. Since the role of a pacemaker is to help a runner maintain pace, some argue that a clear distinction must be made between general running alongside an athlete and prohibited physical assistance.

However, it cannot be confirmed from the currently released video whether MINHO's record constitutes a violation of the rules. The actual race situation, the nature of the contact, the tournament operating regulations, and the judgment of the officials must be comprehensively reviewed. In a situation where a rule violation has not been officially confirmed, it is necessary to be cautious about treating disqualification as a foregone conclusion.

MINHO's challenge in setting a 3:00:18 record in his first full course is an achievement worthy of interest in itself. However, the value of a record in a sports competition is established on the premise that the set rules were followed. Attention is now focused on whether the controversy surrounding MINHO's completion will remain a simple online debate or lead to a formal judgment based on actual race regulations.

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