“Pushing from behind while running?”... Allegations of improper assistance in SHINee member Minho’s marathon finish

[Financial News] SHINee member Minho (real name: Choi Min-ho) has drawn attention for completing his first full-course marathon in a remarkable 3 hours and 18 seconds. But a video appearing to show a fellow runner behind him pushing his back during the race has spread, embroiling him in an unexpected controversy over ‘improper assistance.’
Minho competed in the ‘2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon,’ held on the 1st, and completed the 42.195-kilometer full course in 3 hours, 0 minutes and 18 seconds. His time was just 18 seconds short of a ‘sub-3’—finishing within three hours—a dream goal for amateur runners and a mark associated with the top 1% of runners. Minho shared his thoughts on social media alongside his finisher’s certificate, writing, “Safely completed my first full marathon. Missed sub-3 by 18 seconds, but it was still such a valuable experience,” and received widespread praise.
But the mood shifted sharply when a short video filmed during the race was shared online just after he finished. In the footage, Minho is running with other runners while wearing black running gear and a headband. A male runner just behind him is seen extending an arm and placing a finger or palm against Minho’s waist and back in a gesture that appears to push him forward as they run.
As the video spread, runners’ communities and other internet users immediately questioned whether it violated the rules of a sanctioned race.
Under the technical rules of the Korea Association of Athletics Federations (KAAF) and World Athletics (WA), receiving physical assistance from another person during a competition—such as being pushed or pulled—or other physical help is considered ‘Assistance’ and can result in a warning or disqualification, with the result annulled. That is because a marathon is a timed race in which runners must complete the course using their own physical ability, without outside physical assistance.
Criticism has been mounting that even a small amount of physical assistance could have significantly affected his time, particularly given that Minho’s 3 hours and 18 seconds was an unprecedented result so close to sub-3.
Internet users criticized the apparent assistance, saying, “Being pushed from behind in the latter part of a race, when runners are reaching their physical limits, can make a huge difference to their time,” “Physical assistance through contact is clearly grounds for disqualification in a sanctioned marathon,” and “Countless ordinary participants endure the pain and run fairly, and celebrities shouldn’t get an exception.”
Others, however, have firmly countered that people should not rush to judgment based on a brief clip. They cautioned against excessive criticism, saying, “It could have been a light gesture to maintain distance between runners or prevent a collision,” “It’s hard to conclude that he gained momentum from a momentary touch,” and “Since he competed in the Masters division rather than an elite-level race for rankings, the possibility that it was an encouraging pat should also be considered.”
Analysts say the public has raised its expectations for strict compliance with the rules and sportsmanship at sanctioned competitions, as running-club culture and participation in marathons have surged, particularly among people in their 20s and 30s.
No official statement from the race organizers or decision on whether the officials will impose a penalty has yet been confirmed. The fairness controversy that emerged after the joy of completing the race in a remarkable time is expected to be slow to subside.

[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter