Prologue
Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 3. This is the most famous plastic surgery street in South Korea. Kim Jun-hyuk (29) checked the consultation appointment text on his smartphone and let out a deep sigh.
"Rhinoplasty revision consultation - 2 PM"
His nose was what they called a "hooked nose." The middle of his nose bridge was raised, and the tip pointed downward. He had lived with nicknames like "eagle" and "witch" since childhood.
Chapter 1 - Decision
Jun-hyuk worked in the sales team of a large corporation. First impressions were important in sales. But his nose always held him back.
"Mr. Kim, try to look brighter in client meetings. Your face looks somewhat sharp."
At his manager's words, Jun-hyuk ran to the bathroom to look in the mirror. No matter how much he smiled, his hooked nose made him look cold.
That night, Jun-hyuk started searching for plastic surgery reviews. Countless testimonials, before and after photos. And finally, he decided.
"Life is only once. Let's change it."
Chapter 2 - Consultation
A famous plastic surgery clinic in Apgujeong. Jun-hyuk entered the consultation room with a trembling heart.
"You want to correct the hooked nose and reshape the tip?" the director asked.
"Yes, I want my face to look softer."
The director examined Jun-hyuk's face from various angles and showed him a computer simulation.
"If we smooth it out like this, your impression will be much softer. The cost is estimated at about 15 million won."
15 million won. It wasn't a small amount, but Jun-hyuk didn't hesitate.
Chapter 3 - Surgery
Surgery day. Jun-hyuk's heart was racing as he lay on the operating table.
"The anesthesia is going in. Just relax and sleep."
When he opened his eyes, the surgery was over. A splint was on his nose, and his entire face was swollen.
Looking at the mirror in the recovery room, Jun-hyuk was anxious. "Did it go well...?"
Two weeks of recovery. As the swelling subsided, his new nose began to reveal itself.
Chapter 4 - New Me
A month later, Jun-hyuk was a completely different person. A smooth nose bridge, a slightly upturned tip. His cold impression had softened.
"Mr. Kim, what have you been up to? Your vibe is different."
Jun-hyuk just smiled at his colleagues' reactions. He wanted to keep the surgery a secret.
Reactions were different in client meetings too. People showed interest first, and his contract success rate increased.
"First impressions really do matter..."
Chapter 5 - Her
Jun-hyuk first met her in the company cafeteria. Yoon Seo-yeon (27) from the marketing team. A woman full of bright smiles and positive energy.
"Excuse me, is this seat available?"
Seo-yeon spoke first. The old Jun-hyuk would have shrunk back, but now it was different.
"Yes, please sit."
Natural conversation followed. Seo-yeon focused on Jun-hyuk's stories and smiled genuinely.
Chapter 6 - Getting Closer
Jun-hyuk contacted Seo-yeon first. Something he never could have imagined before.
"If you have time this weekend, would you like to go to an exhibition together?"
Seo-yeon's reply was quick. "Sure! Where should we meet?"
First date at a gallery in Samcheong-dong. Jun-hyuk didn't hide his face like before. He walked confidently beside Seo-yeon.
"Jun-hyuk, your profile is really pretty. Like a sculpture."
At Seo-yeon's words, Jun-hyuk paused. Should he tell her about the surgery?
Chapter 7 - Secret
As the relationship deepened, so did Jun-hyuk's worries. Hiding the surgery fact started to feel like lying.
"Seo-yeon, actually I..."
He tried to say it many times but couldn't find the courage. What if Seo-yeon was disappointed? What if she thought he was fake?
His college friend Min-su, watching Jun-hyuk, said:
"Hey, what's wrong with plastic surgery? Who cares about that these days. What matters is that you're happy."
Chapter 8 - Confession
A night at Han River Park with Seo-yeon. Jun-hyuk finally spoke up.
"Seo-yeon, I had nose surgery. I originally had a hooked nose... I had a serious complex about it."
Seo-yeon looked surprised for a moment, then smiled softly.
"So? What does that matter?"
"You're not... disappointed?"
"Why would I be? It was your decision after much thought. And I like seeing you smile confidently now."
Chapter 9 - Acceptance
Seo-yeon's reaction was a great relief to Jun-hyuk. And he realized. Plastic surgery wasn't something to be ashamed of.
When visiting his parents during the holidays, his mother asked.
"Jun-hyuk, you had nose surgery?"
"Yes, mom. It was something I worried about for a long time..."
His mother looked at her son's face quietly and said.
"As long as you're happy. Your expression has brightened."
Chapter 10 - To a Junior
One day, a junior colleague named Jung-min approached cautiously.
"Senior, I'm also worried about my nose... Have you ever thought about plastic surgery?"
Jun-hyuk thought for a moment and answered honestly.
"I actually did. In Apgujeong."
Jung-min was surprised but soon asked serious questions. Jun-hyuk shared his experience.
"What's important is why you want to do it. Make the decision for yourself, not because of others' opinions."
Epilogue - Being Myself
A year later, Jun-hyuk proposed to Seo-yeon. At Namsan Tower observatory.
"Seo-yeon, marry me."
"Yes, I will."
On their wedding day, Jun-hyuk stood before the mirror. His old self and his current self. It wasn't just his nose that had changed. He had gained confidence and met the person he loved.
Plastic surgery was just a tool. What really changed was his heart accepting himself.
"Being myself. I think I finally understand what that means."
Jun-hyuk smiled and headed to the wedding hall.
- The End -