By Honorary Reporter John Paul Serraon from Philippines

Photos = Screenshots from show

I am a beauty pageant enthusiast as well as a Hallyu fan. Celebrating femininity through pageants is huge in the Philippines just like Korean fervor for the World Cup soccer finals. 

Despite being Filipino, I supported Miss Korea on Nov. 29 at the Miss Earth Pageant hosted at the Okada Manila, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines because of her aura, advocacy and determination, not just because of my love for Hallyu. I watched the event live on its official Facebook page.

Miss Earth 2022 Mina Sue Choi (second from left) is flanked by the three runners-up in this year's pageant. (Pageant's official Instagram account) 

Mina Sue Choi, who was crowned this year's Miss Earth, gave what I consider a good answer among the 85 contestants who had their own stories, beauty, prowess, cleverness and intelligence. Miss Philippines finished in the top 20, and after her elimination, I supported Choi. After several evaluations, the host called the four finalists to each answer a question that was kept from the other three. 

The question was "What is one thing you would want to correct in this world and how would you correct it?"

Mina Sue Choi of Korea gives her winning answer at this year's Miss Earth Pageant.

As shown in the image above, Choi gave an enlightening definition of empathy and what it truly means to be in someone else's shoes. I was touched by her answer and felt proud despite our differences in nationality.

Miss Earth 2021 Destiny Wagner of Belize (second from right) on Oct. 28 crowns Mina Sue Choi of Korea as her successor at Okada Manila, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Because the pageant's goal is to promote awareness of the environment, environmental conservation and social responsibility, Choi as the latest Miss Earth must publicize global environmental campaigns. I'm rooting for her to champion the reduction of carbon emissions worldwide and sustainable lifestyles to protect the environment.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.