80-year-old Miss Universe entrant inspires seniors to pursue dreams

An 80-year-old South Korean Miss Universe contestant has showed senior citizens a new way to pursue their dreams and embrace a colorful way of living in their later years, giving new hope and a new lease of life to the increasingly aging population.

In a groundbreaking move, the Miss Universe competition has shattered its age restrictions and focus on superficial beauty, opening the door for the unprecedented entrant, Choi Soon-hwa.

Beauty knows no age. That's the message at this year's Miss Universe competition, which features the event's oldest-ever competitor.

"After seeing that the Miss Universe competition has no age limit, I said I am participating in this. Then my son said, 'Mom, are you going that far? Okay, mom, go for it if you want.' So, I sent them photos yesterday, and then they said, 'Our mother is amazing, our grandmother is great.' So, I feel very happy," said Choi Soon-hwa.

Long criticized for being out of step with the times, Miss Universe organizers lifted many restrictions on age, marriage, and motherhood as of this year.

"Since many restrictions such as the age limit have been lifted, as of this year, more participants can enter the competition, and more standards for women's beauty now have been applied," said Kim Sung-shin, a Miss Universe contestant.

Promoter Yang Sun-mook, also CEO of DQ Communications, has been working with pageant organizers in South Korea to ensure the event represents the country's rapidly aging society.

"[South] Korea is having a very fashionable moment with old age. You see it in advertisements, on TV shows, fashion shows and even in international beauty competitions," Yang said.

As a mother and grandmother who is now pursuing her modeling career and who recently ran as a candidate for the National Assembly, Choi, with her action, has given a message to other seniors -- follow your dreams.

"With your talent, go to the place where you can find confidence, go outside home to anywhere as you like to participate in social activities, so that the senior society can be more active," Choi said.

80-year-old Miss Universe entrant inspires seniors to pursue dreams

Spectacular fireworks display is presented at Hepu County of Beihai City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the ongoing week-long National Day holiday, captivating tourists as they admire the stunning scenery of the historic port first built in ancient China's Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220).

The county once served as a port of departure along the ancient Maritime Silk Road because of its convenient land-sea transportation.

Over recent years, Beihai City has focused on developing a unique tourism style, drawing on its rich cultural heritage linked to the Maritime Silk Road, local fishing customs, and its pearl industry. This has led to the flourishing of seaside resorts, leisure cruise marinas, and tourist towns, significantly boosting the local tourism industry.

As night falls, an interactive show performed on the stage along the seaside narrates the story of a pearl fisher's life and the rise of the Maritime Silk Road in historical times. More than 100 actors engage the audience in a vivid dialog with the area's ancient history.

During this National Day holiday, new fireworks and the latest stage design have dazzled tourists, creating an immersive experience that offered an eye-catching display.

From September 30 to October 6, this fireworks display has been staged for seven consecutive days. The brilliant bursts ignited visitors' enthusiasm, elevating the festival atmosphere to new heights.

"I come from Liuzhou City. The live stage performance is fun and engaging. I am thrilled by the brilliant fireworks show, which goes beyond my expectations. This trip is definitely worthwhile," said Liu Fen, a tourist.

During the holiday, the scenic area is bustling with visitors wandering against a backdrop of grand fireworks display, capturing impressive moments in photos as they make heartfelt wishes.

"Our future will be better. May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!" said Gan Boxuan, another tourist.

Spectacular fireworks show lights up departure port on ancient Maritime Silk Road