At 80 Yrs South Korean Model Makes History As Oldest Miss Universe Korea Contestant

An 80-year-old South Korean model, Choi Soon-hwa, created history by becoming the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. If she wins, Choi Soon-hwa would become the oldest contestant ever to compete in the global Miss Universe pageant.

Choi could participate in the beauty pageant as the Miss Universe Organisation, responding to calls for modernisation, lifted the upper age limit, previously capped at 28.

Choi Soon-hwa, with her white hair and youthful spirit will contest along with fellow contestants many decades younger.

Choi was born in 1943, nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe pageant in 1952.

Despite her age, Ms Choi is confident in her abilities and excited for the upcoming contest. “I want to stun the world, like, ‘How is an 80-year-old lady so healthy? How did she maintain that body? What’s your diet?'” Ms Choi told CNN.

Choi had a successful career in modeling during youth. After facing financial difficulties in her 50s, she worked at a hospital. She again resumed modelling at the age of 72 after being encouraged by a patient. At an advanced age, Choi has appeared in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle and even starred in commercials for popular South Korean brands.