Octogenarian South Korean model is defying stereotypes

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean grandmother Choi Soon-hwa dreamed of becoming a fashion model when she was in her 20s, but faced with life’s pressures it would take another five decades to achieve her goal.

The silver-haired Choi, 81, recently made history by becoming the oldest contestant at a Miss Universe Korea competition, after the pageant dropped age restrictions that had only allowed women aged 18-28 to participate.

“After hearing that the age restrictions were removed I thought — wow that’s great.