Defying Age in Pursuit of Dreams: Yoo Ji-sun, Participant No. 65, Takes Grand Prize at '2026 MTN GAA' [Comprehensive Report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Youth knew no age. 104 seniors announced the beginning of their second act in life through passionate challenges.

The '2026 Golden Age Awards (GAA)', hosted by MTN, was held on the afternoon of the 8th at the Floating Island Convention Hall on Seoul Sebit Island in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The event was hosted by model Model Rock and anchor Park Min-young, and was live-streamed through MTN's official YouTube channel.

Now in its third year, the '2026 GAA' is a senior model project designed to provide a stage and opportunities for seniors who are not bound by age and embark on new dreams and challenges, open to anyone aged 40 and above. Since its inaugural competition in 2024, it has highlighted the stories of seniors taking on new challenges every year.

The finals that day featured individual runway walks by category, beginning with the participants' opening stage. Participants took the stage wearing 'GAA' production T-shirts, showcasing distinctive walking styles.

Additionally, a fashion show by 'GAA' designer brands followed, further heating up the atmosphere on site. On stages decorated with diverse concepts, senior models demonstrated skilled walking and rich facial expressions, fully radiating their unique charm.

Yoo Seung-ho, CEO of MTN, stated, "I felt a sense of 'turning point,' 'anticipation,' and 'new beginning' on the runway. The confident expressions and lively steps you showed on the finals stage were a great source of emotion for me. It was a time to reaffirm that everyone is the protagonist in their own life and in our society." He added, "It was a stage where you confidently displayed your lived experiences and unique personalities. After going through fierce preliminaries and training processes, 104 people stood on the finals stage. I hope this remains as a precious memory. Everyone who took the stage is already a winner. You have created the most shining highlight of your lives."

Furthermore, Yoo (CEO) emphasized, "I hope you discover new possibilities through the stage. The 'Golden Age Awards' will serve as a foundation for opportunities to continue in the fashion and advertising industries. I look forward to seeing your wonderful lives continue."

The celebration stage featured a performance by the quartet popera group Rubo Chae, further heating up the atmosphere on site. The event concluded with the announcement of winners in each category, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Grand Prize.

Awards were given across a total of 10 categories: Popularity Vote Star Award, Partner Company Model Award, GAA Next Star Award, Best Pose Award, Best Entertainer Award, MoneyToday CEO Award, Excellence Award, Choi U (수상), and Grand Prize.

The prestigious Grand Prize that day was claimed by Yoo Ji-sun, participant number 65. Yoo stated, "I thought this would never happen, so I did not prepare my acceptance speech. It has been five years since I started this. I really enjoyed the excitement the stage brings. My colleagues gave me a lot of synergy."

She added, "The words of my mentor always come to mind: 'A brilliant personality behind the stage is more important than the glamour on the stage.' I will always strive to be a person with a brilliant personality. I have also met many people who possess such personalities. Thank you sincerely."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original