SEOUL, South Korea. At 81 years old, Choi Soon-hwa, a silver-haired model who began her career in her 70s, captivated audiences as she competed in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. Despite her graceful performance in a beaded white gown and a singing contest, Choi did not secure the crown. However, she proudly took home the title of “Best Dresser.”
The pageant, held on Monday in Seoul, featured Choi alongside 31 other contestants, many significantly younger. The eventual winner, Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion student, will represent South Korea in the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City this November.
Choi’s participation was a landmark moment in the pageant’s history. “Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge,” she told The Associated Press hours before the competition. This would have been impossible a year ago, as the Miss Universe organization had previously set an age limit of 28. The removal of the age cap this year, aimed at making the contest more inclusive, allowed Choi to make her inspiring debut on the stage.
The Korean organizers also introduced significant changes to the pageant, removing the swimsuit competition and loosening eligibility criteria related to education, height, and language skills. These modifications have opened the door for a more diverse range of women to participate.
While Choi did not win the crown, her trailblazing effort has certainly left a mark on the competition, showcasing that beauty and confidence know no age.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
