Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean woman, has been making headlines globally following her recent shock entry and final qualification into the Miss Universe Korea competition.

The senior pageant contestant, who turns 81 next month, noted that she never imagined being in the running to represent the country in the competition but was thankful for recent selection rule changes that facilitated her entry.

The age requirement for contestants previously ranged between 18 and 28 years old until 2023, before mounting pressure to become more inclusive saw that restriction removed, allowing virtually anyone to participate.

“Now that the age restriction has been lifted, I said, ‘I should give it a try.’ Whether I get through or not, I was determined to try and get this opportunity,” Choi said. “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.”

Apart from the age ban lifting, pregnant women, and women who had children or had ever been married were also allowed to compete. Now, Choi hopes to inspire others by showing that health and vitality can be maintained well into old age

The revised rules, which previously barred married women and mothers from entry, also encouraged the grandmother of three’s entry into the pageant,

It reported that Choi had been involved in modelling in her senior years for a little while, doing magazine shoots for brands like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle and commercial campaigns with various Korean brands.

“Becoming a model was like opening a door to a new path for me, so I planned in my mind. I said, ‘I will be successful and work hard’… When my dream came true, I thanked God and kept working hard. It’s so fun, and I love it,” she told CNN.

Despite the fanfare and attention her participation has attracted, the local media darling fell short of claiming the crown in Monday’s grand finale.