“Was He Pushed at the Waist from Behind?” SHINee’s Choi Min-ho Finally Apologizes Amid Marathon Controversy

[Financial News]  SHINee member Choi Min-ho apologized over allegations that he received physical assistance from another participant during a marathon. Although he completed his first full marathon, he said he would not accept the result after controversy arose over a possible violation of race rules.
On the 3rd, Choi Min-ho addressed the controversy surrounding his participation in the marathon in a post on Instagram, his social media account.
He apologized, saying, “I’m sorry for disappointing so many people at the marathon I took part in on November 1. This all happened because of my own shortcomings, and as someone who cares about and loves sports, I feel deeply ashamed. I apologize once again for causing concern.”
He also promised to prevent a recurrence and said he would not accept the result of this race. Choi Min-ho said, “I’ll be more careful to ensure this doesn’t happen again, and I’ll work hard to always show you my best. I, too, won’t accept the result of this marathon, and I won’t forget the lessons I learned from this experience.”
He added, “I would like to express my respect for the runners who work so hard, shedding countless drops of sweat.”
Choi Min-ho took part in the JTBC Seoul Marathon, held on the 1st, and completed the 42.195-kilometer full course in 3 hours and 18 seconds. It was his first time running a full marathon all the way to the finish.
After the race, a video that appeared to show Choi Min-ho receiving help from another runner spread online. It captured a participant running behind him seemingly pushing him near the waist with a hand. This prompted suspicions that he had violated the race rules.
The Korea Association of Athletics Federations (KAAF) competition rules that apply to the JTBC Seoul Marathon prohibit receiving physical assistance from another runner that helps a runner make progress.
According to the rules, “receiving physical assistance that could help propel an athlete in the direction of the race is not permitted, except when an athlete helps a runner who has fallen during the race to get back up.” A violation of this rule may result in disqualification without a separate warning.


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter