SHINee member Minho has drawn attention after discussing how triathlon competitions check for cheating, just days after apologizing over a controversy involving his participation in the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon.
During the November 6 episode of MBC's variety show "I Live Alone", Minho was shown preparing for a triathlon competition held in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province.
The episode followed the singer as he visited the competition venue a day before the event to complete his registration and undergo equipment inspections.
While preparing for the race, Minho received a swimming cap based on his swimming record and lined up to have his bicycle and helmet inspected.
He admitted that the process made him unexpectedly nervous.
*"I actually get a little nervous during the bike inspection,"* Minho shared.
Code Kunst then asked what kinds of problems could cause a bicycle to fail the inspection.
Minho explained that certain modifications, including handlebars extending beyond the permitted limits, could lead to problems.
He then jokingly turned to fellow cast member Jun Hyun Moo.
*"Or someone like Hyun Moo hyung could spend money and install a motor on his bicycle,"* Minho joked.
He continued by explaining that equipment inspections are necessary to prevent competitors from gaining an unfair advantage.
*"There really are people who do that. It makes their times faster, so they check everything,"* he said.
The conversation attracted attention because Minho had recently apologized following controversy surrounding his performance at the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon on November 1.
Minho completed the full marathon in 3 hours and 18 seconds. However, a video circulating online appeared to show another participant pushing him around his back and waist during the race, raising questions about whether he received outside assistance.
On November 3, Minho addressed the situation through his social media account.
*"I'm sorry for disappointing many people during the marathon I participated in on November 1,"* he stated.
He also promised to be more careful in future competitions.
*"I will make sure the same thing does not happen again and work harder to show a better side of myself,"* he added.
Minho further explained that he would not accept his marathon result and would remember the lessons he learned from the experience.
Meanwhile, in the *I Live Alone* episode, Minho revealed his personal goals for the triathlon.
He aimed to complete the swimming portion in under 30 minutes, the cycling section in under 1 hour and 12 minutes, and the running portion in approximately 40 minutes.
*"My goal is to finish in the 2-hour-and-20-minute range. I'll do my best,"* he shared.
The episode highlighted Minho's preparations and determination to improve his athletic performance, while his comments about preventing unfair advantages in triathlons came shortly after his public apology over the marathon incident.
