Choi Min Ho has issued an apology following a controversy surrounding allegations that he received assistance from a pacemaker during a marathon.
On November 1, Min Ho took part in the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon, successfully completing the full 42.195-kilometer (approximately 26.2-mile) race in 3 hours and 18 seconds. Making his full-marathon debut, the singer attracted attention for coming remarkably close to a sub-three-hour finish, missing the mark by just 18 seconds.
However, on November 2, a video circulated online appearing to show a pacemaker reaching toward Min Ho and seemingly pushing him from below during the race. The footage sparked speculation about whether he had received assistance in completing the marathon.
Min Ho then took to social media on November 3 to share an apology, which is as follows:
Hello, this is Minho of SHINee.
I apologize for disappointing so many people at the marathon I took part in on November 1.
Everything happened because of my own shortcomings, and as someone who loves and cherishes sports, I feel deep shame.
Once again, I apologize for causing you concern.
I will be more careful so that something like this never happens again, and I will work to always show you my best self.
I, too, will not accept the result of this marathon, and I will not forget the lessons I have learned through this process.
I want to express my respect to all the runners who work hard and pour out so much sweat.
Source: Instagram
