Choi, 81, misses chance for Miss Universe crown; wins plaudits as epitome of beauty

With silver hair and a loving smile, 81-year-old Choi Soon-hwa is an inspiration to the world. Proving that age is no barrier in South Korea's beauty pageant, this fashion model made history by reaching the final round of Miss Universe Korea.
Choi graced the Miss Universe Korea ramp alongside contestants the age of her grandchildren. With her silver hair shining on the stage, she conveyed a powerful message to the world: age is just a number.

Choi expressed that her participation in Miss Universe Korea was driven by a desire to show the world how an octogenarian maintains her beauty and health. She says that with age one gains weight and that she wanted to demonstrate how to stay healthy as one grows older.

Han Aeriel (22), a fashion student, was crowned Miss Universe Korea in Monday's competition. Although Choi didn't win the crown, she was awarded the title of 'Best Dressed'. A former nurse, Choi ventured into modelling after turning 70. Choi expresses her happiness in being an inspiration for maintaining health and beauty at this age.

“Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge," Choi told The Associated Press hours before Monday's pageant. “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,” she said.

It would have been impossible for Choi to compete in the pageant a year ago as Miss Universe had limited the participation to women between the ages of 18 and 28. The age limit, which had long drawn criticism, was lifted this year as part of efforts to make the competition more modern and diverse.

Organizers of the Korean pageant also removed the swimsuit competition and eligibility requirements related to education levels, height and foreign language abilities to open the contest to more women.

The first Miss Universe pageant took place in 1952, ten years after Soon-hwa was born. She represented South Korea in the national competition. The Miss Universe competition will be held in Mexico in November.
Earlier, Alejandra Marisa Rodríguez, a 60-year-old Argentinian lawyer and journalist, had won the Miss Universe Buenos Aires title bringing the spotlight on the age-defying beauty and charm of women competing at beauty pageants.
(With inputs from PTI via AP)