Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean fashion model, has made history as the oldest-ever contestant in the Miss Universe Korea competition. According to Apples Bite Magazine, the octogenarian gained widespread recognition after reaching the finals of the annual pageant, defying age expectations and capturing the public’s attention.
Choi, who divorced in her 40s and is a mother of two with three grandchildren, will compete against 31 younger finalists on September 30 for the prestigious crown. If she wins, she will represent South Korea at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on November 16, becoming the oldest contestant ever to participate in the global event.
In an interview with CNN, Choi shared her motivation for entering the competition, emphasizing her desire to challenge stereotypes about aging. “I want to show the world that we can live healthily even as we age,” she said.
Choi also expressed her hope to inspire others to prioritize wellness in their later years. “I want people to wonder, ‘How is an 80-year-old woman this healthy? How did she maintain her body? What’s her secret?’” she explained. “When you get older, gaining weight is common, but I want to prove that staying healthy is possible no matter your age.”
Addressing the topic of beauty standards and cosmetic surgery, Choi noted, “A lot of people now enhance their appearance, and it’s no longer something people criticize. It’s not just in Korea; many women globally are opting for plastic surgery.”
Although this is Choi’s first pageant, she began her modeling career at 72 and made her debut at Seoul Fashion Week in 2018, at age 74. Since then, she has graced the pages of prestigious magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.
The Miss Universe Organization recently lifted its age limit of 28 for contestants, allowing older women like Choi to compete. They have also updated their eligibility criteria to include women who are married, mothers, or pregnant, expanding the representation of diverse women in the competition.
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