Choi Soon-hwa, an 81-year-old grandmother from South Korea, has proven that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. After aspiring to become a fashion model in her youth, Choi recently made history by becoming the oldest contestant to ever participate in the Miss Universe Korea competition. This milestone came after the pageant removed its age restrictions, which previously limited contestants to those aged 18-28.
Although Choi didn’t take home the crown, she made it to the finals and won the “Best Dressed Award” among her younger competitors. For Choi, simply participating was a victory, as she had long dreamed of a modeling career but had to set those aspirations aside to raise her children and support her family financially.
It wasn’t until she was 72, while working as a hospital caregiver, that her dream began to take shape. Encouraged by one of her patients, Choi decided to pursue modeling seriously and enrolled in a modeling academy. She even practiced walking the catwalk and striking poses in front of a mirror during quiet nights at the hospital.
Since then, Choi’s modeling career has flourished. She has graced fashion shows, appeared in magazines, and her story has been featured on television. Reflecting on her journey, Choi describes it as a “win in the second half of my life,” likening her earlier years to a soccer match where she hadn’t yet scored any goals but ultimately succeeded later in life.
Choi’s determination has been an inspiration to others, including Yun Mi-young, a 59-year-old senior model who was motivated by Choi’s story. “The first time I saw her on TV, she looked so cool. I knew I wanted to be a senior model just like her,” Yun said.
Choi also shares advice on how she stays healthy and active, emphasizing the importance of a nutritious breakfast, consisting of boiled eggs and fruit, and daily walks in her local park. As South Korea approaches “super-aging” status, with more than 20% of its population expected to be over 65 by next year, Choi hopes her journey encourages other seniors to pursue their own dreams.
“I hope other seniors can find courage through my story,” she said, believing that age should never be a barrier to following one’s passions.
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