South Korean model Choi Soon-hwa, aged 80, made headlines as she narrowly missed the title of being the oldest person to win Miss Universe Korea. Competing with 32 other women in Seoul, Choi showcased her grace and courage on stage. While the crown went to 22-year-old Han Ariel, Choi was honoured with the “best dresser” award, stealing hearts with her elegance and charm.
Born in 1943 in Masan, Choi’s journey to the runway was not conventional. Having worked various jobs such as a nurse, pastor, and textile worker, she found herself back in the workforce at 68 due to unforeseen circumstances. It was a patient’s suggestion in 2014 that sparked Choi’s modelling aspirations. Embracing the opportunity, she joined a modelling school and made her runway debut at Seoul Fashion Week at the age of 75. Since then, Choi has graced the pages of top magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, and been featured in commercial campaigns for renowned brands.
Choi’s personal story of resilience and perseverance has captivated many. Despite facing hardships such as her husband leaving her and having to support her children alone, Choi remained steadfast. Designer Kim Hee-jin praised Choi’s uniqueness and originality, which added a special quality to her runway shows.
In a heartening move, the Miss Universe Organization revised its participation rules to include women of all ages and marital statuses. Inspired by this change, Choi decided to participate, eager to defy stereotypes about age and beauty. Her determination to showcase that age should not limit one’s dreams or aspirations has garnered admiration and support from around the world.
Looking ahead, Choi remains focused on her passion for modelling and breaking boundaries. Her dreams extend far beyond a pageant title, with aspirations to explore global stages and make a mark in the fashion industry. With a spirit as vibrant as her runway presence, Choi Soon-hwa continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter their age or background.