SHINee's Minho finishes 3rd at 2026 Tongyeong World Triathlon Cup

Minho (real name Choi Min-ho, 34), singer and actor of K-pop group SHINee, has drawn attention after finishing third in an international triathlon competition.

According to Tongyeong city officials, Minho competed in the amateur division's 35–39 age group at the 2026 Tongyeong World Triathlon Cup, held Saturday and Sunday at Triathlon Square in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, crossing the finish line in third place.

He completed a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer cycling leg and a 10-kilometer run, finishing in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 13 seconds to claim a podium spot.

The event was co-hosted by Tongyeong city and the Korea Triathlon Federation. About 1,000 amateur participants and 114 elite athletes from 35 countries took part.

Minho is believed to be the first K-pop idol to place in the top ranks of the individual amateur division at an international triathlon.

Minho shared footage, photos and his personal split times on his social media accounts.

His splits show he completed the swim in 26 minutes and 39 seconds, the cycling leg in 1 hour, 14 minutes and 55 seconds, and the run in 40 minutes and 52 seconds.

In a video of his finish-line crossing, Minho pumped both fists in the air and cheered with visible emotion.

He also posted a photo with his coach, writing: "Every day I wanted to quit, and every time I felt weak, you were right there holding me up — the best coach I could ask for. You raised a lacking student and made him shine. I am truly grateful. All the glory goes to you."

He added: "The Tongyeong triathlon is done. I want to again thank everyone who cheered me on. Shaworld — our fandom who came all this way — you're the best. Sweet completion at the end of hard work."

Online, fans and followers flooded the comments with reactions including "But you're a singer," "His stamina is insane," "There should be a law banning good-looking people from sports," "Truly incredible," and "He's dead serious about working out."