Soon-hwa Choi, who is challenging for the Miss Universe title at the age of 81, has captured the attention of CNN. On September 28, the network reported, “Selected as a finalist for Miss Universe Korea earlier this month, Choi is the oldest participant in the pageant’s history, proving that age is merely a number.” According to CNN, Choi was born in 1943 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, nine years before the inaugural Miss Universe competition in 1952. After experiencing economic hardships and working as a caregiver, her life took a turn when a patient encouraged her to try modeling. She enrolled in a modeling academy, practiced runway walking in hospital corridors, and began her modeling career at the age of 72. Since then, she has participated in Seoul Fashion Week and has worked in fashion magazines and advertisements.

CNN noted that until last year, there was an age limit of 18 to 28 for Miss Universe contestants, but this year, the age, height, and weight restrictions have all been lifted. In June, 71-year-old Marisa Teijo also advanced to the finals of the Miss Texas pageant. According to CNN, if Choi is selected as the representative for Korea in the finals on September 30, she will compete in Miss Universe in Mexico in November. The current oldest confirmed participant in the global competition is Beatrice Enea from Malta, who is 40 years old. Choi expressed to CNN, “I want to astonish the world by showing how a woman over eighty can maintain such a physique,” adding, “Regardless of the outcome, I will enjoy the experience.”

(Dong-A Ilbo, September 30, 2024)