Meet the inspiring 81 year old Miss Universe contestant – Choi Soon-Hwa
At 81 years young, Choi Soon-Hwa isn’t just breaking molds—she’s shattering them. This remarkable woman first dipped her toes into the modeling world at the age of 72 and hasn’t looked back since. Now, she’s gearing up for her biggest challenge yet: competing in this year’s Miss Universe South Korea, making history as one of the oldest contestants to ever grace the pageant stage.
This incredible opportunity comes on the heels of Miss Universe scrapping its under-28 age restriction—a bold step toward embracing diversity and rewriting what it means to be beautiful in an industry often criticized for its rigid ideals. And Choi Soon-Hwa is the perfect embodiment of that change.
After spending much of her life as a devoted hospital caregiver and raising a family, Choi’s unexpected modeling journey began with a simple yet life- changing suggestion from a patient: “You should be a model.” That spark reignited a passion buried since childhood, and from that moment on, she embarked on a new chapter—storming fashion editorials, conquering runways, and redefining stereotypes.
Choi’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. She’s proof that beauty is not confined by age and that the world is hungry for representation that reflects the diversity of everyday people. With more opportunities opening up, the modeling world is becoming a stage for individuals of all ages to inspire, challenge perceptions, and make their mark.
Choi Soon-Hwa’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a call to action. Whatever your age, if you’ve got dreams, it’s time to stop waiting and start living them. The world is ready to see you shine—just like Choi Soon-Hwa is doing at 81!
