An 81-year-old South Korean fashion model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant after competing in the country’s national pageant against rivals young enough to be her grandchildren.
Dressed in a beaded white gown, the silver-haired Choi Soon-hwa strutted across the stage and performed in a singing contest at the Miss Universe Korea pageant held Monday (Sep 30) at a hotel in South Korea’s capital, Seoul.
She missed out on the crown but did take home the “best dresser” award.
Han Arieluptown aces, a 22-year-old fashion school student, won the contest and will head to Mexico City for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in November.
South Korean Choi Soon-hwa, 80-year-old, performs during the 2024 Miss Universe Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Sep 30, 2024. (Photo: AP/Lee Jin-man)