What achievement did the 81-year-old woman attain at Miss Universe Korea?

According toKorea HeraldChoi Soon Hwa competed against 31 other contestants in the Miss Universe Korea 2024 final on September 30th. The title of Miss Universe Korea went to Han Ariel (22 years old). Meanwhile, Choi received the Best Dressed award. This is seen as encouragement and support for the inspiring spirit and story that the 81-year-old model brought to the Korean beauty pageant.

Despite not winning the crown, Choi Soon Hwa became the focus of public and media attention both domestically and internationally. News of her participation in Miss Universe Korea 2024 was widely reported by international news outlets and became a hot topic of discussion on international beauty pageant forums.

"Even at this age, I've had the courage to seize opportunities and accept challenges. I want people to look at me and realize that you can live a healthier life and find joy in life when you know exactly what you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve those dreams," Ms. Choi shared with the news agency.APon the eve of the final.

Previously, this exceptional contestant also shared with domestic media that upon learning that the Miss Universe competition no longer had an age limit, she decided to participate in Miss Universe Korea 2024 to seek an opportunity to compete on the international stage. Initially, Choi's children were quite skeptical about their mother's plan, but seeing her determination, they respected and supported the veteran model's new journey.

Choi Soon Hwa was born in 1943 in South Korea (almost a decade before the first Miss Universe pageant was held in 1952). In her youth, she worked in a textile factory and held various jobs (including as a healthcare worker). She was abandoned by her husband and had to raise her two children on her own. Choi retired at age 68, but soon after, she returned to caring for patients after being cheated out of money and not wanting to rely on her children. "The only thing I could do was earn money and pay off my debts," she confided.

In 2014, a patient suggested that Ms. Choi try modeling because of her striking appearance compared to others her age. She then decided to enroll in a modeling training course. Four years later, at the age of 75, Choi Soon Hwa made her modeling debut, walking the runway at Seoul Fashion Week. Since then, she has appeared in magazines such as...Harper's Bazaar, Elleas well as in commercial campaigns for several well-known brands.

Having gone through many historical upheavals and the ups and downs of life, Ms. Choi has become a strong, positive woman who boldly pursues her passions. This contestant told...CNNRegarding her decision to compete in a beauty pageant at over 80 years old: "I want to amaze the world, like: 'How can an 80-year-old woman be so healthy? How does she maintain that body? What is her diet?'... I want to prove that we can live healthy lives even as we get older."

Ms. Choi also shared that she wasn't bothered by the possibility of losing: "I see many beautiful models, besides Koreans, and I want to explore and venture onto global stages. That's the idea – a Miss Universe could do this, but I'm not worried about losing. I'll find another opportunity to reach out globally."