LOOK: Meet the first 80-year-old Miss Universe contestant
Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean, has made history as the oldest-ever contestant in the Miss Universe competition.
Many believe that you are never too old to chase your dreams, and that is definitely the truth for Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean.
Soon-hwa has made history as the oldest Miss Universe contestant ever, competing in this year's Miss Universe Korea 2024.
Choi Soon-Hwa นางแบบวัย 80 ปี เข้าร่วมประกวด Miss Universe Korea 2024 เธอเป็นแม่เลี้ยงเดี่ยวและคุณย่า มีลูกชายเป็นแรงบันดาลใจ และอยากบอกทุกคนว่าไม่ว่าคุณจะอายุเท่าไหร่ คุณก็สามารถไล่ตามความฝันได้ มาลุ้นกันว่า เธอจะเป็นตัวแทนของประเทศได้หรือไม่ #MissUniverse2024 pic.twitter.com/dn7PYQ2QV2
— พี่เค้ก ~ 🍰 (@cake_journey) September 17, 2024
"After seeing that the Miss Universe competition has no age limit, I said I am participating in this. Then my son said, 'Mom, are you going that far? Okay, mom, go for it if you want.' So, I sent them photos yesterday, and then they said, 'Our mother is amazing, our grandmother is great.' So, I feel very happy," said Choi Soon-hwa.
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The pageant queen's historical entry has broken age barriers and opened up opportunities for all women, inspiring other senior citizens to chase their dreams and live colourful lives.
If Soon-hwa wins this year's Miss Universe Korea 2024, she will compete at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico alongside South Africa's Mia le Roux.
After being highly criticised by the public, the Miss Universe organisers lifted many restrictions on age, marriage, and motherhood this year, enabling Soon-hwa to compete.
"Since many restrictions such as the age limit have been lifted, as of this year, more participants can enter the competition, and more standards for women's beauty now have been applied," said Kim Sung-shin, a Miss Universe contestant.
Promoter and CEO of DQ Communications Yang Sun-mook has reportedly been working with pageant organisers in South Korea to ensure that the country's rapidly ageing society is represented.
"[South] Korea is having a very fashionable moment with old age. You see it in advertisements, on TV shows, fashion shows and even in international beauty competitions," Yang said.
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Soon-hwa, who will turn 81 in October, is also a mother and grandmother.
She recently shared a message to other seniors to follow their dreams.
"With your talent, go to the place where you can find confidence, go outside home to anywhere as you like to participate in social activities so that the senior society can be more active," Choi said.
If not now then when? An 80-year-old senior model, Choi Soon-hwa who walked her first runway in her 70’s made history as she is one of the official candidate for Miss Universe Korea 2024. She was born in the middle of WWII and the Korean war when she was 6. 👸🏻🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/KOQqWNOkGh
— PJ RN ☤ (@iamprincejanrn) September 17, 2024
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