80-Year-Old Korean Woman Who Worked as a Caregiver Until Her 50s and Became a Model to Pay Off Debt... Competing in a Beauty Pageant

Started as a caregiver, began modeling over 10 years ago
Debuted at Seoul Fashion Week in 2018 at age 74

The 'Miss Universe' pageant, featuring some of the world's most renowned beauties, began in 1952. Nearly a decade older than that, an octogenarian woman is making history as the oldest contestant ever to participate, writing a new chapter in the competition's legacy. This is the story of Choi Soon-hwa, born in 1943.

On the 28th (local time), CNN highlighted Choi in an article titled "Meet the 80-year-old Miss Universe Korea contestant proving age is just a number." The Miss Universe pageant traditionally restricted contestants to ages 18 to 28 and prohibited pregnant women, married women, or those who had ever been married from participating. However, as criticism grew that these restrictions were outdated, Miss Universe abolished these rules, allowing Choi to compete.

The story of Choi Soon-hwa, who challenged the Miss Universe pageant at the advanced age of 80, has attracted significant attention from foreign media. On the 28th (local time), CNN introduced Choi through an article titled "Meet the 80-year-old Miss Universe Korea contestant proving age is just a number."
[Photo by Choi Soon-hwa Instagram]

In a phone interview with CNN, Choi said, "I want to surprise the world with questions like 'How can an 80-year-old woman be so healthy?', 'How did she maintain that figure?', and 'What is her diet?'" She added, "While outward beauty is important, I believe it is equally important to have a peaceful mind and respect others." She emphasized, "People these days are too negative. We need to think positively."

She also shared her views on plastic surgery. Choi stated, "In the past, people spoke negatively about plastic surgery, but now many women worldwide, not just in Korea, undergo it," and emphasized, "I think it's time to embrace this." Previously, CNN criticized Korean beauty pageants for promoting a singular concept of beauty, which led some contestants to enhance their appearance further through plastic surgery.

Choi will advance to the Miss Universe Korea finals on the 30th. If selected as a final candidate, she will participate as the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico in November.
[Photo by Choi Sunhwa Instagram]

Born in 1943, Choi started working at a textile factory at 18 and worked as a hospital caregiver until her 50s, facing financial difficulties. At 72, encouraged by a patient she cared for, she began modeling to pay off debts. Initially, she thought it was impossible, but since becoming a model was her dream, she boldly took on the challenge. Afterward, Choi attended a modeling academy and joined an agency through an instructor. She debuted on the Seoul Fashion Week runway at age 74 in 2018 and gained fame by appearing in fashion magazines and beer commercials. In February this year, she was also selected as the 11th talent recruit for New Future.

Choi will advance to the Miss Universe Korea finals on the 30th. If selected as a finalist, she will become the oldest contestant to compete in the Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico this November. The oldest confirmed contestant so far is Beatrice Enzoja from Malta, aged 40. Having only traveled abroad to Japan in her lifetime, Choi expressed excitement at the thought of representing Korea overseas. She said, "I have always dreamed of standing on an international stage, so I am mentally prepared," adding, "My family is proud of me."