Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old trailblazer, could soon make history as the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe pageant.
Born nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe competition in 1952, Choi is now a finalist in this year’s Miss Universe Korea contest.
She will compete against 31 other participants on Monday for a chance to win the crown and represent South Korea in the Miss Universe final in Mexico this November.
Speaking ahead of the event, Choi expressed her enthusiasm: “I want to surprise the world. How can an 80-year-old woman be so healthy? How did she keep her body in such shape? What’s her secret?”
She emphasized that age doesn’t have to bring weight gain or ill health, and she wants to inspire others by showing that it’s possible to live well into old age.
The Miss Universe Organization recently lifted the long-standing age cap that limited participation to women aged 18 to 28. This change, effective from 2024, follows increasing pressure to modernize.
Last year, the organization also dropped its ban on pregnant women, mothers, and those who are or had previously been married. As a result, national pageants like Miss Universe Korea have adopted these more inclusive criteria.
This year, women like 58-year-old Lorraine Peters in Miss Universe Canada and 60-year-old Alejandra Marisa Rodríguez in Miss Universe Argentina participated, although neither advanced to the finals.
Choi, now poised to break the age record in a national Miss Universe competition, is excited about the opportunity: “Once the age restriction was lifted, I thought, ‘I should try,’” she said. Whether she advances or not, she’s determined to seize the chance.
If Choi wins the Korean title and proceeds to Mexico, she would be more than double the age of the next oldest confirmed finalist, 40-year-old Beatrice Njoya from Malta, who is a mother of three. However, some countries have yet to select their contestants.
This year’s Miss Universe Korea pageant, whose promotional material claims “age doesn’t matter when it comes to dreaming,” has done away with its swimsuit competition.
Instead, Monday’s contest will feature a singing competition, with other finalists performing traditional dances or donning “hanbok,” the traditional Korean dress.
The winner will be chosen based on a combination of online votes and judges’ evaluations, with both “outer and inner beauty” being considered.
Choi emphasized that while external beauty is important, having a peaceful mind, respect for others, and a positive attitude are equally critical: “Many people today are so negative.”
In recent years, Korean beauty pageants have faced criticism for promoting a narrow definition of beauty, a standard that some say is reinforced by the use of cosmetic surgery among contestants.
Yet, Choi is unfazed by these trends. “Nowadays, it’s hard to find people who haven’t had some sort of cosmetic work done. I think it’s time we accept that,” she said.
“Many get their eyes done, or adjust their noses… In the past, people used to gossip about this, but it’s not seen that way now. It’s not just Koreans — women around the world are opting for plastic surgery.”
Despite her debut in the pageant world, Choi is no stranger to the spotlight. She had previously gained recognition in the Korean fashion scene after she came out of retirement to work as a hospital carer in her 50s due to financial difficulties. At the age of 72, she transitioned into modeling as a way to pay off her debts.
Recalling how she got her start in the fashion industry, Choi said, “One of my patients suggested I try modeling.
At first, I thought it was a ridiculous idea… but it also revived my long-forgotten dream of becoming a model, wearing beautiful clothes, and posing for photos. So, I thought, ‘Yes, I used to dream about that. I should give it a go.’”
In 2017, she began taking weekly classes at a modeling academy, practicing her runway walks in hospital corridors during her shifts.
The following year, at age 74, she made her Seoul Fashion Week debut. Since then, she has appeared in major magazines such as *Harper’s Bazaar* and *Elle* and starred in advertising campaigns, including one for the popular South Korean beer brand, Cass.
“Modeling opened a new path for me,” Choi reflected. “I made a plan and told myself, ‘I will be successful and work hard.’ When my dream came true, I thanked God and kept pushing forward. I love it — it’s so much fun.”
In South Korea, one of the world’s fastest-aging societies, opportunities for older models are on the rise. This year, for the first time, the population of those aged 65 and above surpassed 10 million, accounting for nearly 20% of the country’s citizens.
By 2044, the government projects that figure to reach 36.7%, the highest globally. According to Choi, attitudes toward senior models are evolving as a result.
“There are many more senior models now,” she said. “But only a small number get paid work. Still, it’s a big improvement from 10 or 20 years ago. Back then, nobody was really looking for senior models. It was more of a hobby than a paying job.”
Choi believes that her experience in the fashion world will serve her well in the pageant: “Runway walking is all about coordinating your shoulders, knees, and hips. The Miss Universe contestants are very skilled at walking like models — some even better than professional models.”
As a grandmother of three, Choi is excited about the possibility of representing South Korea on an international stage. “I’ve always dreamed of performing abroad, so I’m mentally prepared.
Apart from Japan, I haven’t traveled much, but I’m confident that the pageant organizers would provide all the training needed for the winner, and I’m ready!”
She also has the full support of her family. “They tell me they’re so proud, saying, ‘My granny is amazing!’ My son even told me he’s proud of me and that I should enjoy the experience, no matter what happens.”
