[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Myung-ju] SHINee's Minho has voluntarily returned his record from the marathon competition that sparked controversy over "pushing."

Runnable, the organizer of the '2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon,' told Dispatch on the 4th, "Minho's side conveyed its intention to return the competition record."

He completed his first full marathon course (3 hours 00 minutes 18 seconds), but as fairness concerns arose due to physical contact from an accompanying runner, he decided to return the record.

The competition organizer also accepted Minho's position. The matter was concluded by not providing Minho with an official record related to this marathon.

However, the policy of not providing the record does not confirm that Minho violated regulations. The Masters division he competed in targets amateurs, not elite athletes.

The organizers withheld judgment on whether the World Athletics 2026 competition and technical rules should be applied to amateurs as well, and whether simple physical contact should be considered a rule violation.

Minho competed in the competition on the 1st. He crossed the finish line with a record 18 seconds short of "Sub-3" (completing a full course in under 3 hours).

He subsequently faced suspicions of violating marathon regulations. A video of an accompanying runner placing a hand on Minho's back was posted online, raising suspicions that it helped him achieve the record.

On the 3rd, Minho posted an apology on social media. "Everything happened due to my shortcomings," he said, bowing his head and saying "As someone who cherishes and loves sports, I feel a great sense of shame."

He promised to prevent recurrence. Minho pledged, "I will be more careful so that the same thing does not happen again. I will make an effort to show good sides."

<Photo source=Minho SNS capture>