Choi Soon-hwa performed in a singing contest dressed in a beaded white gown at the Miss Universe Korea pageant.

A 22-year-old fashion school student, Han Ariel, won the pageant and will head to Mexico City for the Miss Universe competition in November.

Choi started her modelling career in her 70s after working as a hospital care worker.

She competed as a Miss Universe Korea finalist alongside 31 other contestants.

“Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge,” Choi told The Associated Press.

“I want people to look at me and realise that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream.”

In 2023, Miss Universe lifted the previous age restriction on participation, which was limited to women aged between 18-28.

Now, anyone over the age of 18 can compete.

Organisers of the Korean pageant also removed the swimsuit competition and eligibility requirements related to education, height and foreign language abilities to open the contest to more women.