The world of news wires has heard the tale of an 80-year-old beauty, Choi Soon-hwa, who has topped the pageant with the distinction of being the oldest contestant to feature in the Miss Universe Korea. With a flair for youth and striking white hair, she stands out among a league of much younger competitors, defying age and beauty stereotypes.
A Journey Through Time
Born Before the Pageant Era
Choi was born in 1943, long before the first Miss Universe pageant, held in 1952. Now, she hopes to make history by winning the title and representing South Korea in the next Miss Universe finals in Mexico next November. Competing against 31 other women, Choi is determined to showcase that age is merely a number.
Defying Expectations
Despite her age, Ms. Choi looks pretty composed and energetic as she readies herself for the upcoming competition. “I will impress people, so they thought, ‘How is it possible for an 80-year-old woman to be so healthy? How did she maintain that body? What’s your diet?’” she expressed in an interview with CNN.
Breaking Barriers in Pageantry
A Change in the Rules
Choi’s entry was important, not only because of her age but also due to the Miss Universe Organisation’s recent decision to lift the maximum age limit imposed for contestants, which had been 28 years old. While embracing this new opportunity, Choi realized she needed to chase her dream. “Ever since the age limit was raised, I thought, ‘I’ve got to give it a shot,'” she said.
Choi’s foray into pageantry comes after a successful modelling career that began later in life. Facing financial difficulties in her 50s, she worked as a hospital carer before rediscovering her passion for modelling at age 72, encouraged by a patient. Choi made her runway debut at Seoul Fashion Week at 74 and has since appeared in prestigious magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, as well as commercials for major South Korean brands. “Becoming a model felt like unlocking a new opportunity for me,” she reflected.
The Upcoming Pageant
Showcasing Talent and Beauty
The Miss Universe Korea pageant, scheduled for Monday, promises a variety of performances, including a singing contest in which Choi will participate. The competition will evaluate contestants based on both outer and inner beauty, with online voting contributing to the final decision.
A Historic Opportunity
She will be in the pageant of Miss Universe Korea, that is a mark of being the oldest to join in, but when she enters the global pageant of Miss Universe, she would also be the oldest competitor ever. The current journey of Choi Soon-hwa proves that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams and not to give up, as perseverance is the key to success.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Inspiration
Choi Soon-hwa’s entry into the Miss Universe Korea pageant is much more than a quest for winning, but also a salute to age and a challenge to the many quaint views around societal standards of beauty. She rises up onto the stage with strength, tantamount to empowerment; passion and determination have no age bars. Whether she wins or not, her story will leave many taking life with a bang and pursuing their dreams at any stage.