Editor-DN
Choi Soon-hwa’s late entry into pageantry follows a successful modeling career.
An 80-year-old South Korean model made history by becoming the oldest contestant at Miss Universe Korea. Choi Soon-hwa, with her white hair and youthful spirit, stands out among her fellow contestants — decades younger — but she’s determined to prove that age is just a number.
Born in 1943, nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe pageant in 1952, Miss Choi is set to make history if she wins the title and represents South Korea at the Miss Universe finals in Mexico this November. She will compete against 31 other women for the crown on Monday.
Despite her age, Ms. Choi is confident in her abilities and excited for the upcoming competition. “I want to surprise the world, like, ‘How is an 80-year-old woman so healthy? How does she maintain that body? What’s your diet?'” Ms. Choi told CNN.
Ms. Choi’s participation comes after the Miss Universe Organization, responding to calls for modernization, removed the upper age limit, which was previously 28. he said.
Ms. Choi’s late entry into pageantry follows a successful modeling career. After experiencing financial difficulties in her 50s, she worked as a hospital attendant before turning to modeling at the age of 72. Encouraged by a patient, she began training and eventually made her runway debut at Seoul Fashion Week when she was 74. Since then, Ms. Choi has appeared in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Elle and has even appeared in advertisements for popular South Korean brands.
“Becoming a model was like opening the door to a new path for me,” Ms. Choi told CNN.
The Miss Universe Korea pageant, which will be held on Monday, will include a variety of performances, with Ms Choi taking part in the singing competition. Contestants will be judged on both outer and inner beauty, with online voting also factoring into the final decision.
If she wins, Choi Soon-hwa will become the oldest contestant ever to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
