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.”

Ms Choi Soon-hwa is not just a pretty face in a sea of hopeful women vying for the chance to be crowned Miss Universe Korea. At 80 years old, the fashion model is also the oldest woman taking part in the beauty contest.

If she beats the other 31 finalists on Sept 30, she wins the chance to represent South Korea at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on Nov 16, making her the oldest contestant in the history of the international pageant.

When Choi Soon-hwa steps onto the runways of South Korea’s Miss Universe competition on Sept. 30, she will be competing with beauties young enough to be her granddaughters.

CNN International Correspondent Mike Valerio meets Choi Soon-hwa, the 80-year-old woman vying for the Miss Universe Korea crown.

Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old model from South Korea, will make history as the oldest ever participant in the Miss Universe competition if she beats the 31 other Miss Universe Korea finalists on Monday.