SHINee singer Minho has apologised after footage of a companion appearing to push his back during the JTBC Seoul Marathon prompted criticism. VnExpress and Tuoi Tre report that his statement was posted on November 3, two days after his first full marathon.
He completed 42.195 kilometres in 3:00:18, missing his sub-three-hour goal by 18 seconds. Minho said he would not recognise the result himself and would be more careful at future events.
Footage follows finish-line celebration
Minho initially shared his certificate and celebrated finishing safely. VnExpress, citing Herald Business, reports that the certificate listed him 1,137th overall and 1,112th among men.
Video and photographs then showed a man running behind him with hands on his back and waist. Critics argued that the apparent forward assistance went beyond pacing and asked organisers to review the performance.
Supporters pointed to his participation as a recreational runner. Others said fairness should apply to all entrants in an officially timed and ranked race.
Personal response before official decision
In his apology, Minho accepted shortcomings and expressed embarrassment as a sports enthusiast. He promised to learn from the incident and respect runners' training efforts.
The reports describe athletics rules prohibiting physical assistance that propels a runner forward, apart from helping a fallen athlete stand. Applying the event's rules to the contact remains a matter for organisers and officials.
At the point covered by both reports, organisers had not issued a formal ruling. Their response is the next stage; Minho's rejection of his time is his own decision.