In a truly remarkable display of perseverance and grace, 80-year-old Choi Soon-hwa has made headlines across South Korea and the world by becoming the oldest contestant to compete in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. At an age where many retire from public life, Ms. Choi is embarking on a new adventure, showing that beauty, strength, and confidence are timeless. With her striking white hair, radiant energy, and a lifetime of wisdom, she stands out among her fellow competitors, most of whom are decades younger.
Born in 1943, nearly a decade before the inaugural Miss Universe pageant in 1952, Ms. Choi has lived through some of the most transformative years of South Korean history. Her participation in the pageant not only challenges societal norms but could make her a historical figure if she wins. Should she be crowned Miss Universe Korea, Ms. Choi would go on to represent South Korea at the global Miss Universe competition, set to be held in Mexico this November. She will be competing against 31 other women for the title on Monday, October 2, 2024, in a contest that promises to be a momentous occasion.
A Spirit Unmatched: Choi Soon-hwa’s Determination to Defy Age Limits
While most of the pageant’s contestants are in their 20s and early 30s, Ms. Choi has shown no signs of intimidation. In fact, her confidence is perhaps one of her greatest assets. Speaking to CNN in a recent interview, Ms. Choi explained how she views her age not as a barrier, but as an opportunity to inspire others. “I want to stun the world,” she said proudly, “like, ‘How is an 80-year-old lady so healthy? How did she maintain that body? What’s your secret?’” These are questions that Ms. Choi wants people to ask, not just about her physical appearance but also her inner strength and vitality.
This is not the first time that Ms. Choi has embraced the spotlight later in life. Her journey into the world of modeling began relatively recently, after decades spent in various other professions. Yet, it’s clear that her story resonates with many, especially as societies around the world increasingly embrace a broader concept of beauty that goes beyond youth.
Ms. Choi’s participation comes after a major policy change by the Miss Universe Organization. Historically, the pageant had an upper age limit of 28, which excluded many older women from competing. However, in a bid to modernize the competition and promote inclusivity, the organization lifted this restriction, allowing women of any age to take part. Ms. Choi, realizing that this presented a unique opportunity, decided to take the plunge. “Now that the age restriction has been lifted,” she said, “I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’”
A Long Road to the Runway: Choi Soon-hwa’s Late Career Transformation
Ms. Choi’s path to pageantry is unlike that of her fellow contestants, most of whom began their careers in their teens or early twenties. Ms. Choi, by contrast, only began her modeling career in her early 70s. Her journey was sparked by hardship and resilience, as she faced financial struggles later in life, particularly in her 50s. For years, she worked as a hospital carer, a demanding job both physically and emotionally. But it was here that she encountered a turning point in her life.
Encouraged by a patient who saw something unique in her, Ms. Choi began to explore the possibility of a modeling career. With no formal training and very little experience, she threw herself into this new field, undergoing rigorous training to learn the nuances of the profession. Her hard work paid off, and at the age of 74, she made her runway debut at the prestigious Seoul Fashion Week.
Her debut was nothing short of spectacular, catching the attention of fashion houses, photographers, and magazines. Since then, she has gone on to model for top brands, gracing the pages of high-profile fashion magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. She has also starred in commercials for several major South Korean companies, further solidifying her place in the fashion industry. Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Choi said, “Becoming a model was like opening a door to a new path for me.” For her, modeling has been more than just a career; it’s been a transformative experience that has allowed her to express herself in ways she never thought possible.
What to Expect at Miss Universe Korea 2024
The Miss Universe Korea pageant, scheduled to take place on Monday, October 2, 2024, promises to be a spectacular event. Contestants will be judged on various criteria, including physical appearance, personal achievements, and inner beauty. In addition to the traditional segments such as evening gowns and interviews, the competition will feature performances by the contestants, allowing them to showcase their talents and unique personalities.
Ms. Choi has already confirmed that she will be participating in the pageant’s singing contest, further demonstrating her multifaceted talent and zest for life. “I love singing,” she shared with reporters. “It’s another way for me to express my joy and passion.”
Online voting will also play a role in determining the winner, giving fans and supporters an opportunity to rally behind their favorite contestants. It’s expected that Ms. Choi will draw significant attention, not only from South Korean audiences but from supporters around the globe. Her story has touched many hearts, and her participation has been hailed as a victory for older women who often feel invisible in youth-dominated industries like fashion and beauty.
A Legacy in the Making: Could Ms. Choi Become the Oldest Miss Universe Contestant Ever?
If Ms. Choi wins the Miss Universe Korea title, she will go on to compete in the global Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, making history once again as the oldest contestant ever in the competition. This would be a groundbreaking moment, not just for her, but for the pageant world as a whole.
Ms. Choi’s story is about more than just beauty. It’s a tale of perseverance, second chances, and the belief that life can be full of possibilities at any age. Her participation in the Miss Universe Korea pageant sends a powerful message to women everywhere: you are never too old to chase your dreams.
Her journey is particularly inspiring in South Korea, where the societal pressures of maintaining youthfulness and beauty are deeply ingrained. By standing proudly at the age of 80, competing alongside women who are much younger, Ms. Choi challenges those societal norms and proves that age should never limit someone’s ambitions.
Her presence in the pageant also reflects the changing landscape of beauty standards globally. With pageants and modeling industries slowly embracing diversity in age, body shape, and background, Ms. Choi stands at the forefront of this movement. She embodies the idea that beauty is not about conforming to a narrow set of standards but about embracing who you are at every stage of life.
Choi Soon-hwa’s Legacy of Inspiration
As Ms. Choi continues to prepare for the Miss Universe Korea pageant, her journey already serves as an inspiration to people around the world. Whether or not she takes home the crown, she has already made history by participating, and her legacy will undoubtedly inspire many others to break through the barriers imposed by age, expectations, and society.
Her story is one of courage, resilience, and reinvention. From a hospital carer to a high-fashion runway model, and now a pageant contestant at the age of 80, Ms. Choi reminds us all that it’s never too late to pursue new dreams and challenge the status quo.
The world will be watching on Monday as Ms. Choi takes the stage. Whether she wins or not, one thing is certain: Choi Soon-hwa has already proven that beauty, strength, and determination are ageless.
