SHINee’s Minho has sparked a cheating debate after completing his first full marathon, following the spread of a video that appears to show a pacemaker pushing him in the back during the race.
Sports Chosun reported on November 2 that footage circulated online after the run shows a person believed to be his pacemaker placing a hand on his back. The report stressed the video alone does not settle whether the contact broke the rules.
Minho ran the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon on November 1, finishing the 42.195-kilometer course in 3 hours, 0 minutes and 18 seconds in the rain — just 18 seconds short of a sub-3 finish, at 4 minutes and 16 seconds per kilometer. After the race, he shared his finisher’s certificate and called the result a precious experience, adding that his challenge would continue.
The debate turns on what help a pacemaker may give. A pacemaker normally helps a runner hold a steady pace, not supply propulsion. Korean reports cited World Athletics rules under which physical assistance that propels a runner forward can lead to disqualification, except for helping a fallen runner up. The question is whether the hand on Minho’s back actually pushed him forward or was only brief contact.
Online reaction was divided. Some called the moment trivial for an amateur running as a hobby; others said the rules should apply strictly and the record should be invalidated if the contact counted as prohibited assistance. No official statement was available from the marathon organizers or Minho’s agency, and no ruling had been reported.
The run capped a busy athletic stretch. On October 26, Minho placed third in the amateur men’s 35-39 group at the 2026 World Triathlon Cup in Tongyeong, in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 14 seconds. He has long been known as one of the industry’s most dedicated amateur athletes, balancing training with singing and acting.
For now the debate is unresolved: the 3:00:18 stands unless organizers say otherwise. Minho is also set to hold solo concerts at KBS Arena in Seoul on November 28 and 29.
