South Korean woman, 81, just falls short in bid to become oldest Miss Universe contestant
An 81-year-old South Korean fashion model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant after competing in the country's national pageant against rivals old enough to be her grandchildren.
Dressed in a beaded white gown, the silver-haired Choi Soon-hwa strutted across the stage and performed in a singing contest at the Miss Universe Korea pageant held on Monday at a hotel in South Korea's capital, Seoul.
She missed out on the crown but did take home the "best dresser" award.
Watch the video above.
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Choi Soon-hwa fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant. AP
Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion school student, won the contest and will head to Mexico City for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in November.
Choi, a former hospital care worker who began her modelling career in her 70s, was announced as a Miss Universe Korea finalist earlier this month along with 31 other contestants.
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She missed out on the crown but did take home the 'best dresser' award. AP
"Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge," Choi told The Associated Press hours before Monday's pageant.
"I want people to look at me and realise that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream."
It would have been impossible for Choi to compete in the pageant a year ago as Miss Universe had limited the participation to women between the ages of 18 and 28. The age limit, which had long drawn criticism, was lifted this year as part of efforts to make the competition more modern and diverse.
It would have been impossible for Choi to compete in the pageant a year ago AP
Organisers of the Korean pageant also removed the swimsuit competition and eligibility requirements related to education levels, height and foreign language abilities to open the contest to more women.
She said it was a patient who encouraged her to pursue her dream and since then, she has carved out an impressive career which she launched at 72, debuting at Seoul Fashion Week at 74 in 2018.
Choi has since worked appeared in Harper's Bazaar and Elle and has worked with brands including Cass Beer.
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Choi has since worked appeared in Harper's Bazaar and Elle. Getty
It was in 2024 when the Miss Universe organisation updated its eligibility criteria, lifting the age limit and other restrictions, including bans on married women, pregnant women and mothers.
This year's competition has also removed the swimsuit segment, which has long been a controversial aspect of beauty pageants.
Choi told CNN: "Now that the age restriction has been lifted, I said, 'I should give it a try.' The competition is more than just a tiara or a title; it's about breaking barriers and demonstrating that health, vitality, and beauty are achievable well into old age. 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?' I'm not competing to win but to set an example that one can live a healthy and vibrant life at any age."
Sharing her health tips, Choi told the Washington Times she stretches daily and walks three times a week.
She told CNN her family has given her their full support during her impressive endeavours.
"My son said he's proud of me and to enjoy it regardless of the outcome," she said of her participation in Miss Universe.
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