In an aging nation where beauty often means plastic surgery and cosmetics, an 80-year-old South Korean grandma is blazing the trail for seniors not only in her country but globally.
Making headlines after making history as the oldest competitor ever in the Miss Universe pageant, Choi Soon-hwa shocked many by reaching the finals in South Korea.
While this may come as quite a surprise for many, this isn’t the octogenarian’s first foray into the spotlight. In fact, she’s been a staple in Korea’s fashion scene since 2018, gracing magazines for luxury brands targeting wealthy South Korean retirees, reported The Washington Times.
But her career in fashion wasn’t a walk in the park and it also came late—in 2014 at 72. She was a freelance care nurse struggling to pay off debts after being scammed by a con artist and losing everything, including her children’s homes. A patient encouraged her to pursue modeling, related Choi.
“Her remark hit me like a ray… I was sparked…Ignited,” Choi was quoted as saying. Taking that advice to heart, Choi enrolled in a modeling training school that same year, which opened the door to her new career.
As she gears up for the coronation night on October 11, Choi isn’t focused solely on winning. She’s also not too concerned about whether or not she’ll get chosen to represent South Korea in the international competition. Instead, she aims to advocate for a better quality of life for seniors in her country.
“Policy should push old people to find their youthful dreams,” she said. “Just one time before you die, find out what you really wanted to do in your young days. Find your jewel. Then you will find an unlimited source of positive energy into which to put your stamina and health.”
