History of Miss Korea in Timeline

Miss Korea is a national beauty pageant held in South Korea. The most recent winner, crowned on August 5, 2025, is Jung Yeon-woo. The competition is a significant event in South Korea's cultural landscape, focusing on beauty, talent, and poise. It is also a prominent event that receives national attention.

1954: Korea Debuts at Miss Universe

In 1954, Korea debuted at Miss Universe, three years before the first Miss Korea pageant.

1957: First Miss Korea Competition

In 1957, the first Miss Korea competition took place, sponsored by the Korean newspaper Hankook Ilbo.

1959: Korea Debuts at Miss World

Korea debuted at Miss World in 1959. The 1st Runner-up of Miss Korea represented the nation at Miss World.

1960: Korea Debuts at Miss International

Korea debuted at Miss International in 1960. The 1st Runner-up of Miss Korea represented the nation at Miss International.

2002: Korea Debuts at Miss Earth

Korea debuted at Miss Earth in 2002. The 1st Runner-up of Miss Korea represented the nation at Miss Earth.

2009: First Mister World Contestant

In 2009, Hankook Ilbo sent the first Mister World contestant to represent Korea.

2010: Miss Korea Selection Change

Until 2010, Miss Korea also selected the representative for Miss World. Starting with Miss World 2011, a separate competition was held to choose the Korean representative.

March 16, 2011: Miss World Korea Pageant Launched

On March 16, 2011, Julia Morley, the president of the Miss World Organization, announced the launch of the Miss World Korea pageant.

2011: Separate Pageant for Miss World

Since 2011, Korean representatives at the Miss World are chosen in a separate pageant Miss World Korea; that separate contest is to only focus on Miss World.

2015: Co-hosting Change

Since 2015, the Miss Korea competition has been co-hosted by Hankook Ilbo and Hanju E&M.

2016: Miss Korea Stops Sending Representative to Miss Universe

Since 2016, Korean representatives at Miss Universe have been chosen in a separate pageant, Miss Universe Korea, and the Miss Korea Organization no longer sends South Korea's representative to Miss Universe.

2018: Co-hosting Change

Since 2018, the Miss Korea competition has been co-hosted by Hankook Ilbo and Hankook Ilbo E&B, a subsidiary of Hankook Ilbo.

2021: Hosting Change

Since 2021, the Miss Korea competition has been hosted by Global E&B (formerly Hankook Ilbo E&B).

November 29, 2022: Mina Sue Choi Wins Miss Earth

On November 29, 2022, Mina Sue Choi represented Korea at the 22nd Miss Earth pageant in Parañaque, Philippines, and won, marking Korea's first victory in a major international beauty pageant.

2024: Miss Korea Selection Change

Until 2024, Miss Korea selected the representative for Miss International and Miss Earth.

August 5, 2025: Jung Yeon-woo Crowned Miss Korea

On August 5, 2025, Jung Yeon-woo was crowned as the reigning Miss Korea.

2025: Separate Pageant for Miss International

Since 2025, Korean representatives at the Miss International are chosen in a separate pageant Korea Beauty Pageant Organization (KBO).

2025: New Titles Added

Since 2025, new titles have been added to the Miss Korea competition: 'Ye' (equivalent to 3rd runners-up) and 'Jae' (equivalent to 4th runners-up).

2025: Separate Pageants for Miss International and Miss Earth

Starting in 2025, Korean representatives for Miss International will be chosen through the Korea Beauty Pageant Organization (KBO), and Korean representatives for Miss Earth will be selected through the Miss Earth Korea pageant.