At 80 years old, Choi Soon-hwa is making history as the oldest-ever contestant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. Competing against 31 younger women, Choi is not only breaking barriers but also challenging long-held stereotypes about age and beauty. If she wins, she will represent South Korea at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico this November.
Choi’s journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. Born nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe pageant, she decided to compete after the organization lifted its age limit, which had previously been capped at 28. Choi saw it as an opportunity to show that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams. “I want to prove that being healthy and beautiful is possible, no matter how old you are,” she said.
This pageant is Choi’s first, but she’s no stranger to the spotlight. After financial struggles forced her out of retirement in her 50s, she worked as a hospital carer. Then, at 72, inspired by a patient, she pursued her long-lost dream of modeling. She quickly made a name for herself, walking runways at Seoul Fashion Week and appearing in top magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.
Miss Universe Korea’s theme this year, “age doesn’t matter when it comes to dreaming,” aligns perfectly with Choi’s story. In this year’s pageant, traditional segments like swimsuits have been replaced by talent performances, including singing and showcasing the traditional Korean hanbok. The scoring system balances online voting with judges’ assessments, which value both “outer and inner beauty.”
“Outer beauty is important, but inner peace, respect for others, and maintaining a positive outlook are what make someone truly shine,” Choi explained.
Her participation comes as South Korea faces rapid population aging, with more opportunities opening for older individuals in various industries, including modeling. If Choi advances to Miss Universe, she will be more than twice the age of the next oldest finalist, a 40-year-old from Malta, pushing the boundaries of age in beauty pageants worldwide.
Choi is supported by her children and grandchildren, who are proud of her achievements. “My family tells me they’re amazed by what I’m doing, and my son has encouraged me to enjoy the experience no matter what the outcome,” she said.
Choi’s story is one of inspiration, proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and redefine what’s possible in both beauty and life.
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