Grandmother enters Miss Universe - 14th October 2024

Miss Universe, the beauty competition, has changed its rules recently. Before 2024, only 18-28 year-old women could enter, but now age doesn't matter. This year, in Miss Universe South Korea, one competitor was 80 years old!

Choi Soon-hwa is also a mother and used to be married. In the past, these three things would prevent her from entering Miss Universe. But now, the rules are changing. The competition's becoming more inclusive. Nowadays, married women, mothers and trans women can join.

Ms Choi used to work in a factory and then, when older, she looked after old people. One of her patients told her to try modelling. This was a lifelong dream for her.

She began modelling classes in her seventies. In 2018, at 73, Ms Choi modelled clothes at Seoul Fashion Week. And by entering Miss Universe, she tried to get on the international stage.

Ms Choi wanted to reach the Miss Universe final in Mexico, next November. Unfortunately, she was beaten by 22-year-old Han Ariel. But Ms Choi took the prize for "Best Dressed" contestant.

Even so, the competition has given the grandmother a lot of attention around the world. The international fashion world may be her next step.