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
African leaders at the recently-concluded 39th African Union (AU) Summit hailed China's landmark zero-tariff policy for 53 partner nations as a "win-win situation" that could accelerate continental trade and development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the summit, in which Xi announced that China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China starting from May 1, 2026. He also highlighted efforts to upgrade the "green channel" for African exports.
The announcement drew strong endorsements from senior AU representatives, who underscored China's role as Africa's largest investor and a critical trade partner.
"China is a very important trading partner to Africa and also a huge investor in Africa, especially critical areas like infrastructure. So we welcome that and I think this will also hopefully encourage other partners of Africa to also introduce zero tariff for African products," said Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, spokesperson for the AU Commission Chairperson.
Other voices at the summit stressed the broader significance of China's engagement with Africa, pointing to its role in infrastructure and the Belt and Road Initiative.
"The Chinese relationship with Africa is very strong and the Chinese presence in the continent on all levels, especially with the Belt and Road Initiative, with the infrastructure development of Africa is making a difference to us on the continent. Having the zero tariff is like a great stride because now if we see what China has announced, together with the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area), that will make a huge difference for the African development, and this is what we're talking about. It's a win-win situation," said Ambassador Namira Negm, director of the African Migration Observatory.
The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) opened Saturday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
During the two-day summit, African leaders focused their discussions on pressing issues including peace and security challenges on the continent, the AU's institutional reforms, participation in the G20, and implementation of Agenda 2063 at an accelerated pace.
In a closing press conference, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterated a zero-tolerance stance against unconstitutional changes of government and emphasized the AU's commitment to its flagship initiative, "Silencing the Guns."
AU Summit hails China's landmark zero-tariff policy as "win-win" for Africa
