Choi Soon-hwa (center) poses after winning the Best Dressed award in the 2024 Miss Universe Korea contest in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Monday. (AP-Yonhap)

An 81-year-old contestant was chosen as the best dressed in this year’s Miss Universe Korea competition on Monday, after reaching the finals as the oldest contestant in the competition.

Choi Soon-hwa, who turned 81 this month, fell short of the ultimate crown in the event in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul. But her admirable efforts won her the consolation prize of “best dressed” in the contest.

Han Ariel, 22, a fashion school student, took the top prize and will represent the country in the 73rd Miss Universe competition, to be held in Mexico in November. Han was also awarded the “Miss Universe The Korea Herald Prize” onstage by the sponsor of Monday‘s event, The Korea Herald.

Despite missing out on the top prize, Choi made international headlines in this year‘s competition.

Choi debuted at the age of 74 in Seoul Fashion Week as the first senior model to walk the catwalk of the event.

She had worked in hospitals for 20 years after falling into financial hardship in her 50s, Choi said in interviews with local media.

But she garnered appreciation as a model, featured in magazines and advertisements, after practicing her runway walk in the hospital corridors while her patients slept.

Choi applied to this year’s Miss Universe Korea contest after the pageant removed restrictions concerning age, which had been in place until last year’s competition. Any female Korean national 19 or older can apply to compete.

The 32 women, including Choi and Han, competed in Monday‘s event after passing the preliminary round on Sept. 22. The Korea Herald jointly supported the pageant with local entertainment broadcaster Yedang Media.