Marathon runner Lee Su-min's flinch and push of her coach at the finish line of the 2025 Incheon International Marathon has gone viral, sparking debate over athlete safety and appropriate boundaries. Footage shows Lee grimacing as her coach, Kim Wan-gi, wrapped a towel around her shoulders and attempted to steady her, prompting online speculation about the nature of the contact.
Some commentators suggested the interaction could amount to harassment or assault, particularly because the clip was widely shared and stripped of context. The incident has raised broader questions about finish-line protocols and how athletes are cared for immediately after completing grueling long distance events. Social media reactions intensified the controversy, even as Lee clarified her own perspective.
