81-year-old model impresses as Miss Universe Korea crown goes to fashion student, 22
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Ms Choi Soon-hwa, 81, was up against women decades her junior in the competition.
PHOTOS: SOONHWA01/INSTAGRAM
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Ms Choi Soon-hwa, 81, may not have won the crown at the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Sept 30, but she left a lasting impression by taking home the “Best Dresser” award.
The Miss Universe Korea title ultimately went to 22-year-old fashion student Han Ariel, who will go on to represent South Korea at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico City in November.
Dressed in a shimmering white gown, the grey-haired Ms Choi, a model, confidently walked the stage at a hotel in Seoul, capturing attention with her poise. She was up against women decades her junior in the competition.
Ms Choi, who started her modelling career in her 70s after years of working as a hospital caregiver, was one of 32 finalists of the Miss Universe Korea competition in September.
Speaking to the Associated Press hours before the pageant on Sept 30, she said: “Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge.”
Ms Choi’s participation at her age was made possible by a recent rule change
In 2024, the age restriction was lifted by the Miss Universe Organisation in a bid to promote diversity and modernise the competition.
The Miss Universe Korea pageant also eliminated requirements related to education, height and foreign-language skills, and dropped the swimsuit competition, making it more inclusive for women like Ms Choi.
Although Ms Choi did not win, her presence on the stage has inspired many, proving that it is never too late to pursue new dreams.
“I want people to look at me and realise that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream,” she said.
