South Korea narrowly missed getting its oldest beauty queen at the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Monday. Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old contestant, competed with a group of 32 women and took home the “best dresser” award.
The oldest finalist ever at the contest, she lost to 22-year-old fashion school student Han Ariel who will represent South Korea in November’s Miss Universe competition.
Choi was born on 11 October 1943, almost 10 years before the Miss Universe pageant was first held in 1952. She hopes to instil in people the will to take on a challenge to achieve their dreams at any age.
“Even at this age, I had the courage to grab on to an opportunity and take on a challenge,” Choi told the Associated Press before the 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,” she said.
The Miss Universe Organization earlier only allowed applicants between the ages of 18-28. But their updated criteria allow all women above the age of 18, irrespective of marital status, to participate.
“After seeing that the Miss Universe competition has no age limit, I said I am participating in this.”
Choi’s early life
After working as a nurse, a pastor, and a textile factory, Choi retired at the age of 68. However, she was forced to return to work as a caregiver after being conned out of her savings.
In 2014, one of her patients suggested she try modelling. She was instantly taken in by the idea and decided to join a modelling school. “Her remark hit me like a ray,” said Choi.
Four years later, at the age of 75, Choi walked the runway at Seoul Fashion Week. She became instantly popular and has been a part of editorials in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. She has also worked on commercial campaigns for popular brands.
Choi never let her age become a deterrence, and in fact, believes her life experience helped her make a mark in the world of fashion. She was born during World War II and bore witness to South Korea’s struggling economy and the Asian Financial Crisis. Choi was a single parent and had to look after her two kids alone.
“I was born and raised in a very tough time, and I still have that resilience to fight, to survive my own battles. But the young generation has no idea,” she told The Washington Times.
Choi might have lost the crown, but she is determined to make it big on the global stage and says will find an opportunity to do so.
