An 80-year-old South Korean model has scripted history by becoming the oldest participant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. Choi Soon-hwa stands tall and proud among contestants who are young enough to be her grandchildren. Despite her white hair and octogenarian status, Choi Soon-hwa is determined to show the world that age is just a number.
“I want to stun the world, like, ‘How is an 80-year-old lady so healthy? How did she maintain that body? What’s your diet?’” she told CNN on the phone ahead of the Miss Universe Korea grand finale, which is scheduled for September 30. “When you get old, you gain weight… So, I want to show that we can live healthily even when we get old.”
Dreams of Miss Universe
Choi Soon-hwa was born almost a decade before the first Miss Universe contest was held in 1952. She now stands a chance to represent South Korea in the international beauty pageant.
If she beats 31 other finalists at the national-level Miss Universe Korea pageant tonight, Choi Soon-hwa will get a chance to fight for the crown at Miss Universe as its oldest-ever participant. The 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City in November.
This is the first time that the Miss Universe pageant has lifted age and other similar restrictions on candidates. Earlier, the Miss Universe Organization mandated that only women between the age of 18 and 24 could participate. In 2024, amid calls to modernise the pageant, organisers lifted age restrictions. The ban on pregnant, married and divorced women was also lifted last year.
{{/usCountry}}This is the first time that the Miss Universe pageant has lifted age and other similar restrictions on candidates. Earlier, the Miss Universe Organization mandated that only women between the age of 18 and 24 could participate. In 2024, amid calls to modernise the pageant, organisers lifted age restrictions. The ban on pregnant, married and divorced women was also lifted last year.
{{/usCountry}}“Now that the age restriction has been lifted, I said, ‘I should give it a try,’” Choi told CNN. “Whether I get through or not, I was determined to try and get this opportunity,” added the granny who started modelling at the age of 72 to pay off debts.
(Also read: Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha's winning moment set to Coldplay X BTS hit track)