At the Miss Universe Korea pageant, 80-year-old Choi Soon-hwa confidently walked the stage in a beaded white gown and participated in a singing contest.
Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean model, made history by becoming the oldest contestant ever in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. Competing against 31 finalists, many of whom were decades younger, Choi’s participation aimed to break age stereotypes in beauty contests.
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The pageant, held on September 30, 2024, in Seoul, was a significant event as it marked a shift in Miss Universe’s long-standing rules, which previously restricted participants to women aged 18 to 28. This year, however, the competition embraced modernization by removing the upper age limit and allowing mothers and pregnant women to participate.
About Choi Soon-hwa
Choi, who started her modeling career at the age of 72, has since become an inspiration to many, particularly in the fashion world. She has walked in prestigious events like Seoul Fashion Week and graced the pages of Harper’s Bazaar.
At the Miss Universe Korea pageant, Choi confidently walked the stage in a beaded white gown and participated in a singing contest. While she didn’t win the overall title, she was honored with the “Best Dresser” award, showcasing her elegance and style.
In her post-event interview, Choi expressed her desire to challenge societal norms and inspire others. She emphasized that age should not define one’s abilities or aspirations. “How is an 80-year-old lady so healthy? How did she maintain that body?” she said, noting that she wants to encourage older generations to live healthy, active lives. Her story is particularly powerful given her background—Choi turned to modeling as a way to cope with financial challenges, showing that reinvention is possible at any age.
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Choi’s groundbreaking participation came after Miss Universe lifted its age restrictions, signaling a broader shift toward inclusivity in the competition. While Choi Soon-hwa did not advance to the global Miss Universe competition, which will be held in Mexico in November 2024, her journey has made a lasting impact on the pageant world and beyond.