At a hotel in Seoul, South Korea’s capital, Choi Soon-hwa participated in a singing competition during the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Monday. She walked across the stage wearing a white gown embellished with beads.
The winner, 22-year-old Han Ariel, will go on to compete in November’s Miss Universe competition in Mexico City.
Ms. Choi began her modeling career in her 70s after working in hospital care.
Earlier this month, she was revealed as one of the 32 finalists for Miss Universe Korea.
I have the guts to seize an opportunity and accept a challenge even at this age,” Ms. Choi said.
I want others to look at me and know that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you identify things you want to accomplish and challenge yourself to reach that desire.
Ms. Choi was permitted to compete for the first time because last year’s Miss Universe only allowed ladies between the ages of 18 and 28 to compete.
This year’s age restriction was removed in an effort to modernize and broaden the competition.
In an effort to attract more women to the pageant, the Korean pageant organizers also eliminated the swimsuit competition and the eligibility standards pertaining to education, height, and foreign language proficiency.
