Choi Soon-hwa is the first octogenarian to enter the Miss Universe competition in South Korea, proving that it’s never too late to chase our dreams.
At 80 years old (81 in October), Choi Soon-hwa is the first octogenarian to participate in the Miss Universe competition in South Korea, and her participation is a testament that it’s never too late to seek out new dreams and projects.
The Miss Universe competition in Korea has eliminated its age restrictions and expanded the definition of beauty. The idea of not only focusing on appearance but also on substance has allowed Choi Soon-hwa to show the world that age is just a detail.
The beauty competition, which once centered on youth and superficial beauty, now aims to be a new platform for empowering women at all stages of their lives. In recent years, Miss Universe has increasingly relaxed its regulations so that more women can participate.
Choi is the perfect symbol of this new spirit of inclusion and shows older adults around the world that it is possible to adopt a productive, joyful, and even colorful lifestyle in old age. The retired nurse took courses and became a professional model at 77, and since then, she has showcased her beauty and elegance on runways and in advertisements.
On her Instagram page, Choi often shares photos and encourages seniors to leave behind the isolation of domestic life and engage with the world with courage and wisdom. “Find your confidence,” she says. “Participate in social activities, explore your talents, and bring vitality to the senior community.”
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
