Meet Choi Soon-Hwa, 80YO Model Is Oldest Miss Universe Korea Finalist

At 80, Choi Soon-hwa is making history as the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. The passionate model is inching closer to the coveted crown as she has reportedly been selected as one of the finalists. Her beautiful silver hair and textured skin are standout features that reflect her distinguished journey and delightful grace. As she defies the traditional norms of beauty and inspires a revolution in the modelling world, Soon-hwa gives her young competitors a run for their money.

Choi Soon-hwa's Unique Career

Choi Soon-hwa, a grandmother of three, always had a passion for the limelight but chose to pursue a healthcare career. One of her patients suggested she try modelling, which awoke her old dream. After retiring at the age of 50, she got into modelling at 72.

Although Soon-hwa got into modelling due to financial difficulties, the thrill of wearing "pretty clothes" and walking down a runway ignited a new flame within her. She soon found that it was flourishing into a second career, allowing her to embrace her long-held dream.

Now, Soon-hwa is set to contest for the crown on September 30 against 31 other finalists. She is eyeing a chance to represent South Korea at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City in November, where she would be the oldest model in the event's history.

Soon-hwa's charm is breaking norms in the modelling industry. The pageant, which initially had an age limit from 18 to 28 years, recently lifted the upper age limit. Soon-hwa hopes that she will not only win a crown but also inspire more women to keep learning and growing.

Speaking to CNN, Soon-hwa said, "Now that the age restriction has been lifted, I said, ‘I should give it a try'. Whether I get through or not, I was determined to try and get this opportunity. "I want to stun the world, like, ‘How is an 80-year-old lady so healthy?'"

Soon-hwa added that she wants to show the world that older women can be fit and healthy too, unlike ageist stereotypes. She also said, "Looking beautiful on the outside is important, but I think you need to be at ease in your mind as well, and know how to respect others."

The model also spoke about the growing trend in cosmetic surgeries or enhancements that take away from a person's natural beauty. "It’s hard to find people who haven’t done any touch-ups or plastic surgery, and I think it’s time we just embrace it," Soon-hwa told the outlet.

Soon-hwa added that she hopes to inspire the many older models who are looking for a sign to follow their dreams. "Elder models were just working as a hobby for fun, not as a paid job. It is different for sure, compared to 10, or 20 years ago though," she told CNN. 

For Soon-hwa, her unexpected foray into modelling became a life-changer. "Becoming a model was like opening a door to a new path for me, so I planned in my mind. I said, ‘I will be successful and work hard’… When my dream came true, I thanked God and kept working hard.”