In a year of historic firsts for the Miss Universe Organization, 80-year-old Choi Soon-hwa is poised to etch her name in the annals of beauty pageant history. As a finalist in the Miss Universe Korea competition, she stands to become the oldest participant to grace the national stage. On Monday, Choi will vie for the tiara against 31 other contestants, with the winner advancing to represent South Korea at the Miss Universe final in Mexico this November.

Choi's journey is a testament to the pageant's evolving standards, as it recently lifted its upper age limit and removed restrictions on pregnant women, mothers, and married women. "I want to stun the world," Choi told CNN, emphasizing her desire to defy ageist stereotypes about health and beauty. "When you get old, you gain weight... So, I want to show that we can live healthily even when we get old."

Choi's entry into the competition is no mere whim; she's already a veteran in the Korean fashion industry. After retiring and later returning to work as a hospital carer in her 50s, Choi launched her modeling career at the age of 72. "One of my patients told me to try modeling," she recalled. "I thought it was nonsense… but at the same time, it awoke my old dream."

With a career that now includes appearances in Harper’s Bazaar and Elle Korea, and campaigns for brands like Cass Beer, Choi is no stranger to the spotlight. Yet, the Miss Universe Korea pageant presents a new challenge. "Looking beautiful on the outside is important, but I think you need to be at ease in your mind as well, and know how to respect others," she said, highlighting the importance of inner beauty.

The pageant's organizers seem to agree, having removed the swimsuit segment and introduced a scoring system that values both "outer and inner beauty." This year's competition will include a singing contest, traditional Korean "hanbok" fashion, and online voting.

Choi's participation is particularly significant in South Korea, a country facing the challenges of a rapidly aging population. With people aged 65 or above comprising nearly 20% of the population, South Korea is among the world's fastest-aging nations. Choi's presence in the pageant could inspire a new narrative in a country where older models are increasingly visible but still underrepresented.

Despite the odds, Choi is determined to make her mark. "Whether I get through or not, I was determined to try and get this opportunity," she said. With the support of her family, including her proud children and grandchildren, Choi is ready to represent her country on the global stage. "I always dreamed of going on stage abroad, so my mindset is prepared," she shared.

As Choi Soon-hwa steps into the limelight, she carries not only the hopes of a nation but also the promise of a more inclusive and diverse beauty pageant landscape.