In a groundbreaking event that challenged traditional beauty pageant norms, Choi Soon-hwa, an 81-year-old South Korean fashion model, participated in the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Monday, September 23, 2024. This remarkable occurrence was made possible by the recent removal of age restrictions in the Miss Universe competition, allowing contestants of all ages to participate for the first time in the pageant's 72-year history.
The Miss Universe pageant, founded in 1952, has undergone significant changes over the years to become more inclusive and diverse. The removal of the age limit is just one of many steps taken to modernize the competition. In fact, the pageant has faced criticism in the past for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, leading to various reforms.
Choi Soon-hwa, who began her modeling career in her 70s, showcased her elegance in a beaded white gown and participated in a singing contest during the event. While she did not secure the crown, her efforts were recognized with the "best dresser" award. Choi expressed her motivation, stating, "Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge. 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."
The winner of the Miss Universe Korea pageant was Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion school student. She will represent South Korea at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City this November. South Korea has a history of success in the competition, having won the Miss Universe title twice, in 1960 and 1988.
The organizers of the Korean pageant have made additional changes to promote inclusivity. They removed the swimsuit competition and eliminated eligibility requirements related to education levels, height, and foreign language abilities. These changes align with the global trend of making beauty pageants more diverse and representative of society.
The Miss Universe Organization, currently owned by Thai business tycoon Anne Jakrajutatip, has been implementing various changes to modernize the competition. In 2012, the pageant allowed transgender women to compete, and in 2018, the first openly gay contestant participated from Spain. The organization also introduced a "Voice for Change" segment in 2019, emphasizing the importance of contestants' voices and opinions.
While beauty pageants have faced controversies and boycotts over the years, they continue to evolve. The Miss Universe pageant, broadcast in over 190 countries worldwide, has become a platform for charitable projects and promoting social causes.
As the competition moves forward, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the perception of beauty and age in society. Choi Soon-hwa's participation in the Miss Universe Korea pageant may inspire other older individuals to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms, regardless of their age.
"Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge. 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."