PAGEANT Circle

Kim So-yoon was crowned Miss Universe Korea 2023 in a national competition that took place last August 27 in Seoul. The 28-year-old beauty from Gyeongnam succeeded last year's titleholder Hanna Kim and will represent Korea at the 72 Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2023) in El Salvador this November. Over 30 contestants took part in this year's glittering event which was hosted at the Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts. Korea has yet to win the Miss Universe title since joining the prestigious pageant for the first time in 1954. Its highest achievement so far was first runner-up in 1988 with Jang Yoon-jeong. The country's last placement was third runner-up in 2007 with Honey Lee. Meet the new Miss Universe Korea: View this post on Instagram A post shared by 박정아 (@missuniversekorea1) Photos: Miss Universe Korea / Instagram

Miss Universe Korea 2022 Hanna Kim will wear a hanbok inspired by the beautiful sunset of Korea at the 71st Miss Universe pageant. The hanbok, a traditional Korean clothing characterized by vibrant colors, symbolic patterns, and geometric structure, is an important part of Korean culture. Koreans wear it on special occasions and holidays. Designed by W Hanbok and completed with traditional accessories by Naschenka , Hanna's national costume consists of 27 layers of skirts reflecting the colorful skies of Korea at sunset. As hanbok is called the clothes of the wind, each layer moves along with the movement to create the most unique and gorgeous mixture of colors. The true beauty of the hanbok is portrayed by elegant lines created throughout the garment and the different lines created with the movement display the art of traditional hanbok. Hanna will showcase her national costume during the 71st Miss Universe edition at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louis

Korea will be represented at the 71st Miss Universe pageant by Hanna Kim. The 27-year-old model currently based in New York City was appointed as Miss Universe Korea 2022 last April. She was the first runner-up during last year's national competition. Apart from modeling, Hanna is a linguist and interpreter, who specialized in clinical trials. She is also a skilled classical ballet dancer. "Words cannot describe how honored I am to be representing Korea at the 71st edition of Miss Universe," she shared on social media. "As Miss Universe is the representation of empowerment and confidence, I wish I will also become a member of this community that empowers the women around the globe," she added. The 71st Miss Universe pageant is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2023. Photos: Save Hannah Studio , Hanna Kim / Instagram