An 81-year-old South Korean fashion model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant.

The 81-year-old model narrowly missed becoming the oldest Miss Universe, but did take home the prize for “best dresser.”

After the Miss Universe pageant lifted its longstanding ban on women aged over 28, grandmother of three, Choi Soon-hwa, decided she wanted to “give it a try.”

South Korean model Choi Soon-hwa, 81, narrowly missed becoming the oldest person to win Miss Universe Korea. The former hospital care worker, who started modelling at 72, lost to a 22-year-old fashion

Choi Soon-hwa may not have won Miss Universe Korea, but her appearance at Monday's pageant proved, as CNN put it, that "age is just a number." Choi, variously reported as 80 or 81, had hopes of becoming the oldest woman ever to compete in the Miss Universe pageant,

An 80-year-old South Korean model has made history, becoming the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant.

An 81-year-old woman took part in the Miss Universe Korea pageant in a bid to become the oldest contestant in its history.

South Korean model Choi Soon-hwa, 80, is making headlines for being the oldest person ever to compete in a Miss Universe pageant. After the Miss Universe Organization lifted the upper limit of its age restriction this year — originally only allowing contestants aged 18 to 28 — Miss Universe Korea followed suit,

Choi Soon-hwa, 81, defied age norms and became a symbol of empowerment after competing in the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Sept. Miss Universe lifted its age restriction this year, opening the door for greater diversity and representation.