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,

Choi Soon-Hwa has made history as the oldest contestant to participate in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. She stands out among many fellow participants who are decades younger than her, but her youthful spirit proves that age is just a number.

In a remarkable milestone for both age and beauty, 80-year-old South Korean model Choi Soon-hwa has made history by becoming the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant.

Hwa, a former healthcare worker, stepped into the modelling world at 72 to make ends meet after retirement. | News, First Women, Lifestyle

In a world where young contestants typically dominate beauty pageants, Choi Soon-Hwa has shattered expectations and is making history.

When Choi Soon-hwa steps onto the runways of South Korea’s Miss Universe competition on Sept. 30, she will be competing with beauties young enough to be her granddaughters.

An 81-year-old South Korean fashion model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant. She did, however, take home the "best dresser" award.

An 81-year-old South Korean has reached the finals of the Miss Universe Korea pageant. Choi Soon Hwa was up against 31 other contestants for a chance to participate in the Miss Universe final, scheduled to take place in Mexico this November.

South Korean model Choi Soon-hwa on Monday narrowly missed becoming the oldest person to win Miss Universe Korea, competing with a group of 32 women in Seoul at the age of 80. The competition allows the winner to represent South Korea in November’s Miss Universe competition.

Choi Soon-hwa missed out on the crown at the beauty pageant in Seoul on Monday – but did take home the ‘best dresser award’.