SEOUL, Oct 11 (Askume) – South Korean grandmother Choi Soon-hwa dreamed of becoming a fashion model at the age of 20 but life pressures forced her to take another five years to achieve her goal.
The silver-haired 81-year-old Choi recently made history as the oldest contestant in South Korea’s Miss Universe beauty pageant, after the competition removed its age limit, allowing only women between 18 and 28 to compete.
“When I heard the age limit was being lifted, I thought – wow, this is great. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity,” Choi said.
Although she did not ultimately win, Ms. Cui made it to the finals and won the “Best Dressed Award” among the young contestants.
Her youthful dreams of becoming a fashion model or movie star had to be put on hold so that she could find a regular job to take care of her children and meet her financial commitments.
While working as a nurse in a hospital, her dream came true when one of her patients suggested her to apply to become a senior model at the age of 72.
Choi, who is studying at a modeling academy, said she would practice the catwalk and pose in front of the mirror when the hospital was quiet at night.
Since then, Choi has begun a new career, appearing in numerous fashion shows, having her image appear in magazines and her story featured on television shows.
“I had the time of my life in the second half. In the first half I was just running around and not scoring, but I finally scored in the second half,” she told Askume.
Another veteran model, Yoon Mi-young, 59, said she was inspired by Choi.
“I saw her on TV for the first time and she looked so good. I thought I wanted to become a senior model like her.”
Choi also offered some tips for maintaining a healthy body, including starting the day with a healthy breakfast of boiled eggs and fruit, and taking regular walks in a nearby park.
With South Korea expected to become a “super-aging” society next year, when a fifth of the population will be over 65, Choi hopes her success will inspire others in this age group.
“I hope other seniors can find courage from my story,” Choi said.
