Various generations of women are expanding their horizons by venturing into the modeling field.
Participants ranged from young women in their 20s to middle-aged and senior women seeking to overcome career interruptions and resume social activities.
The finals of the '3rd Super Top Korea Selection Contest' took place on November 4 at the Grand Moment Ella Hall in Busan. Contestants in the Miss, Mrs., and Senior categories competed in four groups after advancing through preliminary rounds and interviews.
The number of participants has grown each year. Last year's second contest, held at the Busan Nongshim Hotel, featured 38 finalists (in three groups), while this year saw an increase of nine, bringing the total to 47.
Judging focused not only on appearance but also on the diverse capabilities of the participants. The panel awarded scores out of 20 based on four criteria: visual impact, walking and posing, stage presence and expressiveness, and speech.
Participants showcased their confident walks and shared their personal stories and charms through introductions and brief speeches. Each group produced one grand prize and one gold prize winner, with five silver prizes awarded, including joint winners.
The grand prize went to Kim Hyun-a (Group 1), Eun-bit (Group 2), Hwang Eun-mi (Group 3), and Kim Jin-seung (Group 4). Gold prize winners included Lee Ji-soo, Kim Ga-yeon, Yoon Kyung-sung, and Bae Myung-ja. Silver prizes were awarded to Kim On-yu, Seo Ye-ji, Kim Sang-mi, Kim Hyun-joo, and Kim Soo-mi. Notably, Group 3 had two silver prize winners, bringing the total number of participants receiving major awards (grand, gold, and silver) to 13. Additionally, special awards were presented by the organizers and sponsors.
The event attracted various local officials and representatives from cultural and entertainment sectors, who celebrated the occasion. Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo sent a video message of encouragement, while Park Jae-beom, the head of Busan Nam-gu, praised the spirit of challenge among women of different ages.
Audience response was enthusiastic. Nam Mo (62), who works in the beauty industry, expressed, "I was deeply moved by the challenge and courage of those on stage and gave them a big round of applause. I want to participate in next year's contest before it's too late."
The organizing committee explained that the winners' activities will continue beyond the event. They will have opportunities for magazine photo shoots, fashion modeling, as well as experiences in broadcasting, acting, hosting, and home shopping. A separate reception is planned for the 28th to present certificates and prizes.
Park Sung-hyun, chair of the Super Top Korea organizing committee, stated, "We will support the winners in gaining experience on actual stages and in content production. We aim to create opportunities for the development of the senior industry and the advancement of women in society."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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