Group SHINee Minho recently took on a fierce challenge by participating in a triathlon. During the 672nd episode of the MBC variety show ‘I Live Alone’ (hereafter ‘I Live Alone’) aired on the 6th, Minho’s day was captured as he visited Tongyeong to compete in South Korea’s largest triathlon.
On this day, Minho attempted the grueling triathlon consisting of a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle, and a 10km run. Explaining his reason for joining, he stated, “It is to challenge my limits. After participating directly, I developed a desire for records,” revealing that his personal goal for the competition was to break his own record.
Aiming for a total completion time of 2 hours and 20 minutes, Minho started with the 1.5km swimming leg. While viewers and the Rainbow cast expected a swift record, Minho suddenly stopped mid-swim, prompting questions about what happened. It turned out he had been struck in the face by another swimmer’s foot.
Minho explained, “Physical contact is actually somewhat permitted during swimming. Some people even grab and pull your shoulders. Swimming is unavoidable because everyone has to move back and forth.”
He continued, “I got hit right in the face by a foot, and it felt like there was blood. Whenever I breathed, I tasted the water and since it was salty, I couldn’t tell if it was actually blood or just seawater,” before quickly setting off again. After completing the swim and heading to the transition area, Minho’s eye was visibly swollen. Jeon Hyun-moo pointed out, “You got hit in the eye, too. Your eye looks weird,” and Minho acknowledged, “I got hit and it swelled up a bit.”
Meanwhile, Minho previously completed the full 42.195km course of the ‘2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon’ held on the 1st in 3 hours, 0 minutes, and 18 seconds. However, he became embroiled in a physical assistance controversy under World Athletics rules after a pacemaking individual was caught pushing his back on camera.
In response, Minho posted an official apology via social media on the 3rd, stating, “Everything happened due to my own shortcomings, and as someone who loves sports, I feel deeply ashamed. I will not accept the results of this marathon.” He returned his record to the event organizer, demonstrating a mature response.
