The First Miss Korea: Choi Jung-won and Her Journey

In 1931, Choi Jung-won (최정원) made history by winning the first Miss Korea title at the age of 18, organized by the popular magazine Samcheolli (삼천리). The November issue of Samcheolli revealed that out of 326 contestants, a panel of esteemed judges, including notable figures like Lee Kwang-soo (이광수) and Kim Il-yeob (김일엽), conducted a thorough and fair selection process. Choi, who worked as a nurse in Daejeon, gained additional attention as the sister of journalist Choi Jeong-hee (최정희).

Despite the event's popularity, it faced criticism. Some commentators expressed disappointment, suggesting that the winner did not embody the beauty of Korea, questioning the standards of the competition.

Three years later, in November 1934, Choi made her literary debut with the short story "Nakdonggang" (낙동강), published in the same magazine that crowned her Miss Korea. The story received acclaim for its 'perfect realism,' with literary critic Jang Hyuk-ju (장혁주) praising her exceptional expression and suggesting that she could stand alongside established authors.

"Nakdonggang" vividly depicted the plight of farmers during the Nakdong River flood in the summer of 1933, showcasing their struggles for survival while worrying about rent payments. The story's raw imagery, including a starving child scavenging for barley, highlighted the harsh realities of the time and resonated with the revolutionary spirit of the era.

Choi Jung-won married the writer Lee Gap-ki (이갑기) in May 1934, shortly before he was arrested due to his involvement in the Korean Proletarian Artists' League (KAPF) incident. This tumultuous period saw her debut work being created while her husband faced police interrogation. Lee, known for his critical writings, had previously challenged the censorship practices of the colonial government.

In April 1948, during the inter-Korean negotiations, both Choi and Lee defected to North Korea, where Lee continued to write but did not achieve significant recognition. Choi's literary activities after their defection remain largely undocumented, and it is unclear if she ever reunited with her brother-in-law, Kim Dong-hwan (김동환), who was abducted during the Korean War. Choi Jung-won, the first Miss Korea and a celebrated author, thus faded from public view, leaving behind a legacy marked by both beauty and literary talent.