Choi Soon-hwa

Choi Soon-hwa (; born October 11, 1943) is a South Korean model and former pastor, nurse, and care worker. She is the oldest professional model in South Korea, becoming a model at 72. She garnered international attention upon competing in Miss Universe Korea.

Biography Choi was born on October 11, 1943, in Masan, which was then under Japanese colonial rule. Her grandmother owned a food stall next to a local cinema and she would sneak her inside to see the costumes and sets. She married and her husband abandoned her, leaving her to raise their two children on her own. Choi worked as a nurse and as a Christian pastor before retiring at 68.

After retirement, she lost a large amount of money which she lent to a confidence trickster. As a result she returned to work as a care nurse, freelancing seven days a week. She practiced her runway walk in hospital corridors while patients slept. She became the oldest professional model in South Korea.

She competed in Miss Universe Korea in 2024, becoming the oldest contestant to ever compete, as previously that year the contest removed rules requiring models to be under 28. She was a finalist in the competition. While she did not win, she was awarded "Best Dressed". She has stated her intention was to "stun the world".

She has appeared in campaigns for Harper's Bazaar and Elle, among others. She has been listed as an inspiration by both other models and fans.