SHINee Minho apologizes for marathon 'pushing' controversy... "I will not accept the results"

Minho personally apologized for the controversy over ″pushing″ that arose during the ″2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon.″ Minho challenged the full 42.195km course for the first time in the race held on the 1st and finished in 3 hours 00 minutes 18 seconds. Although he was 18 seconds short of achieving a sub-3-hour time, he set an impressive record despite it being his first attempt. During the race, a video showing Minho seemingly being pushed near the waist by another participant spread, raising questions about violations of marathon rules and the fairness of the record. In response, Minho posted an apology on his account on the 3rd, stating, ″Everything happened due to my shortcomings, and as someone who cherishes and loves sports, I feel deeply ashamed.″ He also said, ″I will be more careful to ensure this does not happen again and will always strive to show a better side,″ adding, ″I do not accept the results of this marathon myself, and I will not forget the lessons learned through this process.″ Following Minho’s apology, support and encouragement poured in for him. Comments on the video included, ″Minho always gives his best with sincerity no matter what,″ ″I hope you know there are more people cheering for you,″ ″What you have built up so far will not be in vain,″ ″Is this really newsworthy?″ and ″’Unfair criticism’ has its limits.″ One viewer expressed regret over continued criticism after the apology, saying, ″Seeing him face the controversy head-on and admit it cleanly made me feel he is truly mature.″ Experiences from actual participants in the race were also shared. One participant said they saw people pushing each other or holding hands while running around the 20km mark and explained that when their stamina dropped in the latter part, they relied on a friend to reach the finish line. He stated, ″If Minho is to be disqualified for this, then I should be too, as well as those around me,″ suggesting that Minho might have been targeted more because he is a celebrity. However, he also acknowledged the need to follow the rules. Meanwhile, there were also messages emphasizing that a marathon must be completed by one’s own effort and expressing hopes that Minho will run alone and achieve a sub-3-hour time in the next race. The controversy has sparked both calls for fairness in record-keeping and warnings against excessive criticism.