At 81, she almost became South Korea’s Miss Universe
Choi Soon-hwa missed out on the crown at the beauty pageant in Seoul on Monday – but did take home the ‘best dresser award’
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An 81-year-old South Korean fashion model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant after competing in the country’s national pageant against rivals old enough to be her grandchildren.
She missed out on the crown but did take home the “best dresser” award.
I want people to look at me and realise that you can live healthier and find joy in life
Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion school student, won the contest and will head to Mexico City for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in November.
Choi, a former hospital care worker who began her modelling career in her 70s, was announced as a Miss Universe Korea finalist earlier this month along with 31 other contestants.
“Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge,” Choi said hours before Monday’s pageant.
“I want people to look at me and realise that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream.”
