a model 81 year old South Korean fell short in her attempt to become the contestant of Miss Universe older after competing in the contest national team of the country against rivals who, due to their age, could be your granddaughters.
In a white beaded dress, Choi Soon-hwa strutted across the stage and performed in a singing competition at the contest Miss Universe Korea held on Monday in a Seoul Hotel.
She was left without the crown, but took home the award for “best costume designer.”
Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion student, won the contest and will head to Mexico City for the 73rd contest of Miss Universe in November.
- Choi, a former hospital care worker who began her modeling career at age 70, was announced as a finalist for Miss Universe Korea earlier this month along with 31 other contestants.
“Even at this age, I had the courage to seize an opportunity and take on a challenge,” Choi told The Associated Press hours before the contest on Monday.
“I want people to look at me and realize 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.”
It would have been impossible for Choi to compete in the contest a year ago, since Miss Universe had limited participation to women between 18 and 28 years.
The age limit, which had long been criticized, was removed this year as part of efforts to make the competition more modern and diverse.
The organizers of the contest Korean also removed the swimsuit competition and eligibility requirements related to education levels, height, and foreign language skills to open the contest to more women.
