81-year-old South Korean falls short in a bid to become oldest Miss Universe contestant

Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An 81-year-old model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant after competing in the South Korean pageant against much younger rivals.

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 at a hotel in South Korea’s capital, Seoul.

She missed out on the crown but did take home the “best dresser” award.

Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion school student, won the contest and will head to Mexico City for the Miss Universe pageant in November.

Choi, a former hospital care worker who began her modeling career in her 70s, was announced as a Miss Universe Korea finalist earlier this month along with 31 other contestants.

“Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge," Choi told The Associated Press hours before Monday's pageant.

“I want people to look at me and realize that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream.”

It would have been impossible for Choi to compete in the pageant a year ago as Miss Universe had limited the participation to women between 18 and 28. The age limit, which had long drawn criticism, was lifted this year ato make the competition more modern and diverse.

Organizers of the Korean pageant also removed the swimsuit competition and eligibility requirements related to education, height and foreign language abilities to open the contest to more women.

 

Salem News Channel Today

Sponsored Links

On Air & Up Next

  • Hollywood 360
    12:00AM - 2:00AM
     
    Spend time with Carl Amari as he showcases Hollywood's past and present. Carl   >>
     
  • Eric Metaxas Show
    2:00AM - 4:00AM
     
    The Eric Metaxas Show offers compelling perspective on American culture,   >>
     
  • Best of Mike Gallagher
    4:00AM - 6:00AM
     
    Known as "The Happy Conservative Warrior," Mike Gallagher is one of the most consistently popular hosts in America.
     
  • Radio Health Journal
    6:00AM - 6:30AM
     
    Radio Health Journal offers the latest scoop on what’s trending in health,   >>
     
  • Viewpoints Radio
    6:30AM - 7:00AM
     
    Sit down with Viewpoints each week as we report on social issues, the   >>
     

See the Full Program Guide