Korean Miss Universe Contestant Draws Foreign Media Attention... Received This Award Instead of Finals

Miss Universe Korea Best Dresser Award

Born in 1943 and now 81 years old, Choi Sunhwa, who challenged the 'Miss Universe' competition featuring top beauties from around the world, failed to advance to the finals but achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Best Dresser Award trophy.

Choi Soon-hwa, shining with the Miss Universe Korea Best Dresser Award.
[Photo by Choi Soon-hwa's Instagram]

Choi was one of the 32 finalists who proudly made it to the Miss Universe Korea finals held on the 30th, but she did not win the crown. The crown went to Han Ariel (22). Han will head to Mexico to participate in the 73rd Miss Universe competition held in November.

Before the competition began, Choi told the AP news agency in an interview, "I hope that when people see me, they realize that finding what you want to do and challenging yourself to achieve that dream can lead to a healthier life and bring joy to life."

Starting with this competition, 'Miss Universe' removed the age limit. Choi became the oldest contestant ever to advance to the Miss Universe Korea finals this year. Her participation attracted global attention. On the 28th of last month (local time), CNN highlighted Choi in an article titled "Meet the 80-year-old Miss Universe Korea contestant proving age is just a number." Choi said, "I want to surprise the world with questions like 'How can an 80-year-old woman be so healthy?', 'How did she maintain that figure?', and 'What is her diet?'. I believe that while outward beauty is important, having peace of mind and respecting others is also crucial."

Choi Sunhwa, shining with the Miss Universe Korea Best Dresser Award.
[Photo by Choi Sunhwa, Instagram]

Choi was born in 1943, started working at a textile factory at 18, and worked as a hospital caregiver until her 50s. Having never been financially well-off, she began modeling at age 72 to pay off debts, encouraged by a patient she cared for. Just two years into the challenge, at 74, she debuted on the Seoul Fashion Week runway and has since appeared in fashion magazines and beer advertisements.

Until now, the Miss Universe competition restricted contestants to ages 18 to 28 and prohibited pregnant women, married women, or those who had been married from participating. However, as criticism grew that these restrictions were outdated, the rules were abolished. Restrictions on participants' height and weight were also removed. The oldest confirmed participant in the global competition currently is Beatrice Enzoia (40) from Malta.