Is this S Korea's most glamorous granny? Miss Universe judges think so

Choi Soon-hwa, an 81-year-old woman from South Korea, has recently made headlines by participating in the Miss Universe South Korea beauty pageant. This remarkable event is not just about beauty; it is a platform for women to showcase their talents and confidence. Choi's journey to the stage is inspiring, as she decided to enter the contest after years of raising her children and facing various challenges in life. She believes that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams, and her story is a testament to that belief. Choi was encouraged to consider modeling at the age of 72 by a patient she cared for during her time as a hospital worker. This suggestion sparked a new passion in her, and she realized that modeling was something she wanted to explore. Choi explained to the BBC, 'After raising children and going through hardships, it’s just two people left, and that’s when you need to find what you want to do. ' This realization led her to embrace modeling, which has brought her joy and a sense of purpose. As the oldest contestant in the history of Miss Universe, Choi took to the stage alongside much younger women, some of whom were only in their twenties. She expressed her excitement about participating in the competition, stating, 'It was something I couldn’t have imagined. ' Choi had longed to step onto the international stage as a model, but she felt there was no clear path for her until the Miss Universe competition lifted its age restrictions. This change allowed her to pursue her dream and compete for the title. The Miss Universe competition has evolved over the years, becoming more inclusive by allowing married women, transgender women, and single mothers to participate. Choi's entry into the contest created quite a buzz, and many of the younger contestants were surprised to see her. They expressed admiration for her courage and said, 'I want to age like you. ' Choi's participation has garnered international attention, and she hopes to inspire other older women to follow in her footsteps. Although she did not win the crown, which went to 22-year-old Han Ariel, Choi was honored to receive the title of 'Best Dressed. ' She reflected on her experience, saying, 'Just being able to participate is an amazing and honorable experience. ' Choi hopes that her presence in the competition will pave the way for more older women to compete and challenge traditional beauty standards. She believes that as more seniors join beauty contests, society's perspective on aging will shift, allowing for greater acceptance and appreciation of older individuals. Choi's grandsons, aged 23 and 24, are her biggest supporters, cheering her on and celebrating her achievements. They proudly say, 'Our grandma is so cool, pretty, beautiful, and the best!