Choi Soon-hwa, 81, defied age norms and became a symbol of empowerment after competing in the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Sept. Miss Universe lifted its age restriction this year, opening the door for greater diversity and representation.

An 81-year-old South Korean fashion model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant.

South Korean Choi Soon-hwa, 81-year-old, poses after winning the best dress award for the 2024 Miss Universe Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) South Korean Choi Soon-hwa,

The 81-year-old model narrowly missed becoming the oldest Miss Universe, but did take home the prize for “best dresser.”

When Choi Soon-hwa steps onto the runways of South Korea’s Miss Universe competition on Sept. 30, she will be competing with beauties young enough to be her granddaughters.

An 81-year-old woman took part in the Miss Universe Korea pageant in a bid to become the oldest contestant in its history.

For Choi Soon-hwa, it was a no-brainer. This week, the 81-year-old took to the stage with women a quarter of her age for Miss Universe South Korea, hoping to make it to the finals in Mexico later this year.

At over 80 years old, Choi Soon-hwa has made history by advancing to the final rounds of the 2024 Miss Universe Korea competition. Choi’s participation comes after the pageant’s rules were recently changed,