Who is Choi Soon-Hwa, the Oldest Contestant at Miss Universe Korea?

Choi Soon-Hwa has made history as the oldest contestant to participate in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. She stands out among many fellow participants who are decades younger than her, but her youthful spirit proves that age is just a number.

Choi was born nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe pageant, which took place in 1952. Determined to make history, she aims to win the title and represent South Korea at the Miss Universe final in Mexico this November.

She will compete against 31 other women for the crown, exuding both beauty and confidence.

"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 told CNN.

"Looking beautiful on the outside is important, but I think you need to be at ease in your mind as well and know how to respect others," she added.

She further stated, "Also, you need to be a positive thinker. So many people are negative these days."

This year marks a transformative moment for the Miss Universe pageant, as the organization has lifted the upper age limit of 28 to modernize the competition.

"Now that the age restriction has been lifted, I said, 'I should give it a try,'" Choi explained.

Choi began her modeling career after facing severe financial difficulties at the age of 50. Before joining the glamour world, she worked as a hospital carer until she was 72.

After receiving advice from a patient, she began training and eventually made her runway debut at Seoul Fashion Week at the age of 74.

Choi has since appeared in prestigious magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Elle and has featured in commercials for popular South Korean brands.

The Miss Universe Korea pageant is set to take place on Monday, where Choi will participate in a singing contest.

The results will factor in both outer and inner beauty.

Choi Soon-Hwa's participation as the oldest contestant to ever compete in the global Miss Universe pageant has inspired many women around the world.