An 81-year-old woman has taken part in the Miss Universe Korea pageant in a bid to become the oldest contestant in the competition's history.
Despite facing off against a lineup of significantly younger rivals, Choi Soon-hwa showcased her poise and passion in a stunning beaded white gown during the event that was held in Seoul on Monday.
Striding gracefully across the stage, Choi dazzled the audience with her presence and participated in a singing contest, demonstrating that age is no barrier to talent or ambition.
"Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge," Choi said in an interview with The Associated Press just hours before the pageant.
"I want people to look at me and realize that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream" she said.
She may not have walked away with the coveted crown, however she did earn the 'best dressed' award, a recognition that celebrated her unique style and flair.
The title of Miss Universe Korea ultimately went to 22-year-old Han Ariel, a fashion school student who will represent Korea in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City this November.
Despite being a runner-up this time round, Choi's journey is likely to inspire many women. She is a former hospital care worker, who began her modeling career in her 70s.
Announced as a Miss Universe finalist earlier this month, she joined 31 other contestants in a competition that reflects a shift toward inclusivity and empowerment by organizers.
This year's pageant represented a significant change in policy, as the Miss Universe organization had previously restricted participation to women aged 18 to 28.
This age limit, long criticized for excluding many women, was lifted to promote a more modern and diverse competition.
In a further move to broaden participation, the Korean pageant organizers eliminated the swimsuit competition and relaxed eligibility requirements related to education, height, and foreign language skills.
They said these changes aimed to create a more inclusive environment, allowing women of varying backgrounds and experiences to showcase their talents and aspirations.
Fans say Choi Soon-hwa's participation in the Miss Universe Korea pageant highlights her personal journey and also serves as a beacon for women of all ages, encouraging them to embrace opportunities and challenge societal norms surrounding beauty and age.
This article contains addition reporting from The Associated Press
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
