What achievements did the 81-year-old woman achieve at Miss Universe Korea?

According toKorea Herald, Ms. Choi Soon Hwa competed with 31 contestants at the final night of Miss Universe Korea 2024 on September 30. The title of Miss belongs to Han Ariel (22 years old). Meanwhile, Ms. Choi received the Best Dressed Contestant sub-award. This is considered an encouragement and support for the spirit and inspirational story that the 81-year-old female model brought to the beauty arena of the kimchi country.

Although she did not win the crown, Ms. Choi Soon Hwa still became the focus of the public, domestic and international media. The information that she would compete in Miss Universe Korea 2024 was published by many international news sites and became a hot topic of discussion on international beauty pageant forums.

"Even at this age, I have the courage to take chances and accept challenges. I want people to look at me and realize that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you know what you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream," Choi told the news agency.APbefore the final

Previously, this special contestant also shared with domestic media that when she learned that the Miss Universe pageant no longer had an age limit, she decided to participate in the Miss Universe Korea 2024 pageant to find an opportunity to enter the international arena. Initially, Ms. Choi's children were quite skeptical about their mother's plan, but when they saw her determination, they respected and supported the veteran model's new journey.

Choi Soon Hwa was born in 1943 in South Korea (nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe pageant was held - 1952). In her youth, she worked in a textile factory, and held many jobs (including as a health care worker). She was abandoned by her husband and had to raise two children on her own. Choi retired at the age of 68, but not long after, she had to return to nursing after being cheated out of money and not wanting to rely on her children. "The only thing I can do is earn money and pay off my debts," she confided.

In 2014, a patient suggested that Ms. Choi try modeling because of her outstanding figure compared to others her age. She then decided to take a modeling course. Four years later, at the age of 75, Ms. Choi Soon Hwa debuted as a model, walking at Seoul Fashion Week. Since then, the model has appeared in magazines such asHarper's Bazaar, Elleas well as in commercial campaigns for several well-known brands.

Going through many historical changes and ups and downs in life, Ms. Choi became a strong, positive woman and boldly pursued her passion. This candidate toldCNNon her decision to compete in beauty pageants at the age of 80: "I wanted to surprise the world, like: 'How is an 80-year-old woman so healthy? How does she maintain that body? What is her diet?'... I wanted to prove that we can live healthy even when we get old."

Choi also shared that she was not concerned about losing: "I see many beautiful models, other than Koreans, and I want to explore and adventure on global stages. That's the idea - a Miss Universe can do this, but I'm not worried about losing. I will find another opportunity to reach out globally."