SHINee's Minho stirs controversy over pacemaker pushing his back during Seoul marathon

SHINee member Minho completed his first full marathon in 3 hours and 18 seconds, but footage showing another runner apparently pushing him from behind during the race has stirred controversy online.

Minho took part in the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon on Sunday, finishing the 42.195-kilometer course in 3 hours, 0 minutes and 18 seconds. For a first-time full marathon attempt, the result came close to what runners call a "sub-3" — completing the course in under three hours, or 2 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds — widely regarded among recreational runners as a dream benchmark.

Shortly after the race, Minho posted his official certificate on social media, writing: "18 seconds short of sub-3. Still an incredibly valuable experience." His certificate listed him 1,137th overall and 1,112th among male finishers. He added that the race left him feeling his own shortcomings more than any regret, and vowed to try again: "I'll challenge again. Sub-3, wait for me."

After the race, footage circulating online appeared to show a figure running alongside Minho — believed to be his pacemaker — physically pushing him forward with a hand on his back, sparking criticism.

A pacemaker is a runner who helps a competitor maintain a steady pace toward a target time. Minho acknowledged the arrangement on social media, writing: "To the guy who paced me — I really got a great time thanks to you. You're the best."

Some social media users questioned whether the act constituted a violation of race rules. The marathon was held as an officially certified event by the Korea Athletics Federation, which follows the competition rules of World Athletics.

World Athletics prohibits assistance under Rule 6.3.6 of its technical regulations. Under the rule, a competitor may not receive physical assistance or propulsion from another runner or any outside person that aids forward progress during a race. The only permitted exception is helping a fallen athlete back to their feet. Violations can result in disqualification.

Online opinion was divided. Some users argued the act amounted to cheating if the goal was a competitive time or ranking. "I'd understand if it were just about finishing, but if it's about rankings or a time, it's foul play," one commenter wrote. Others said the pushing was too blatant to ignore: "That's way too obvious — the record should be voided." A third group said such behavior belonged in training, not an official race.

Others pushed back against the criticism, calling it overblown. "He didn't even enter as an elite athlete — people are making a fuss over nothing," one user wrote, while another dismissed the critics as needlessly serious about a matter that did not warrant it.

No official ruling has been issued by the race organizers on whether the incident in fact constitutes a rule violation or whether it will affect Minho's time and result.