Ageless Beauty: This 80-year-old South Korean model becomes oldest Miss Universe participant

An 80-year-old South Korean model has become the oldest participant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant, making headlines globally. Choi Soon-hwa, standing alongside much younger contestants, is determined to challenge societal perceptions of age. Her participation highlights a significant shift in the pageant world.

Defying Age Norms

Despite her age and white hair, Choi Soon-hwa wants to demonstrate that age should not limit a person’s aspirations. Speaking ahead of the Miss Universe Korea grand finale scheduled for September 30, she stated, “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?’” Choi emphasized her desire to inspire others by showcasing a healthy and active lifestyle, even in old age.

A Dream to Compete Globally

Born nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe contest in 1952, Choi now has the opportunity to represent South Korea on the international stage. If she wins the national pageant, she will become the oldest-ever contestant at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City this November, where she would compete against other finalists from around the world.

Age and Restrictions Lifted

For the first time, the Miss Universe pageant has removed age restrictions, which previously limited participants to women between 18 and 24 years old. This decision, aimed at modernizing the pageant, has allowed older contestants like Choi to participate. “Now that the age restriction has been lifted, I said, ‘I should give it a try,’” Choi shared. She began modeling at the age of 72 to pay off debts and now seeks to inspire others through her determination.

Choi’s participation reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity in beauty pageants, proving that dreams have no age limit.