81-year-old South Korean falls short of Miss Universe ‘oldest’ title

An 81-year-old model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant after competing in the South Korean pageant against much younger rivals.

Dressed in a beaded white gown, the silver-haired Choi Soon-hwa strutted across the stage and performed in a singing contest at the Miss Universe Korea pageant held Monday in South Korea’s capital, Seoul.

She missed the crown but took home the ‘best dresser’ award.

Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion school student, won the contest and will head to Mexico City for the Miss Universe pageant in November.

Choi Soon-hwa, 81-year-old speaks during the Miss Universe Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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 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.’

Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion school student, celebrates after winning the 2024 Miss Universe Korea in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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 18 and 28.

The age limit, which had long drawn criticism, was lifted this year to make the competition more modern and diverse.

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