80-Year-Old South Korean Grandmother Aims for Miss Universe Crown
Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean model, is vying to represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant. Her bid challenges beauty norms and showcases the potential of older individuals in the fashion world.
In a groundbreaking move, Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean grandmother, is aiming to represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November. Her ambitious goal challenges traditional beauty standards and highlights the changing landscape of global beauty competitions.
Choi, born almost a decade before the inaugural Miss Universe contest in 1952, stands out among her 31 younger competitors. Her participation has been made possible by recent rule changes in the pageant, including the removal of age restrictions and the ban on married contestants. These modifications reflect a shift towards more inclusive and diverse representation in beauty contests.
"I want to stun the world, like, 'How is an 80-year-old lady so healthy? How did she maintain that body? What's your diet?'"
Choi's journey into the world of fashion began relatively late in life. At 74, she made her debut at Seoul Fashion Week in 2018, fulfilling a long-held dream. Since then, she has graced the pages of renowned fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Elle, establishing herself as a "silver model" in an industry often associated with youth.
The octogenarian's pursuit of the Miss Universe title aligns with South Korea's rapidly aging population, where over 20% are expected to be 65 or older by 2025. Her participation challenges societal norms and promotes the concept of "successful aging," which has gained prominence in gerontology research.
Choi's bid for the Miss Universe crown comes at a time when the global beauty pageant industry is estimated to be worth over $5 billion annually. Her participation not only challenges age-related stereotypes but also taps into the growing anti-aging market, projected to reach $422 billion by 2030.
The grandmother of three emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and positive thinking. "Looking beautiful on the outside is important, but... you need to be a positive thinker," she stated, reflecting on the negativity prevalent in society today.
As Choi prepares for the national selection process, her story serves as an inspiration, showcasing that age is no barrier to pursuing one's dreams. Whether she secures the tiara or not, her journey has already made a significant impact, challenging perceptions and paving the way for greater inclusivity in the world of beauty pageants.
