80-Year-Old Choi Soon-Hwa Competes in Miss Universe Korea

In a remarkable turn of events, 80-year-old Choi Soon-hwa is poised to make history as the oldest participant in the Miss Universe pageant. Born in 1943, Choi's journey began long before the first Miss Universe contest took place in 1952. This year, she has been selected as a finalist in the Miss Universe Korea competition, where she will compete against 31 other contestants for the coveted title and the opportunity to represent South Korea at the Miss Universe final in Mexico this November.

Choi's aspirations are not just about winning a crown; she aims to inspire others with her message of health and vitality at an age when many are considered to be slowing down. In a recent interview, she expressed her desire to astonish the world, saying, "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?’" Her determination to showcase that aging does not equate to declining health is both refreshing and empowering.

Traditionally, the Miss Universe Organization imposed strict age limits, allowing only women aged 18 to 28 to participate. However, in a significant shift towards inclusivity, the organization has lifted the upper age limit starting in 2024. This change comes in response to growing calls for modernization and reflects a broader societal shift towards embracing diversity in beauty standards. Last year, the organization also removed restrictions on pregnant women, mothers, and those who have been married, further broadening the scope of participation.

Choi is not alone in her quest; she joins the ranks of other mature contestants like 58-year-old Lorraine Peters and 60-year-old Alejandra Marisa Rodríguez, who participated in Miss Universe Canada and Miss Universe Argentina, respectively. Although neither advanced to the finals, their participation marked a significant step in redefining beauty norms.

As Choi prepares for the pageant, she emphasizes the importance of both inner and outer beauty. "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," she stated. This holistic view of beauty is a refreshing perspective in an industry often criticized for promoting narrow ideals.

Moreover, the organizers of Miss Universe Korea have taken steps to modernize the competition by eliminating the swimsuit segment and introducing a singing contest, where Choi will showcase her talents alongside other finalists. This shift reflects a growing recognition that beauty can be expressed in various forms, not just through physical appearance.

Despite the ongoing criticism of cosmetic surgery in Korean pageants, Choi remains unfazed. She acknowledges the prevalence of cosmetic enhancements but believes it is time to embrace this reality. "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," she remarked. This acceptance of diverse beauty standards is crucial in fostering a more inclusive environment.

As the Miss Universe Korea pageant approaches, Choi Soon-hwa stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. Her journey is a testament to the idea that age is just a number and that pursuing one’s dreams knows no bounds. Whether she wins or not, Choi's participation is a powerful reminder that beauty, health, and vitality can flourish at any age, encouraging others to embrace their own journeys with confidence and grace.