Prologue
Seoul National University Hospital, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Lee Sung-jun (31) sat trembling in the chair in front of the examination room.
"Final consultation for orthognathic surgery - 3 PM"
An underbite. The lower jaw protruding forward beyond the upper jaw—a malocclusion. Sung-jun had suffered because of this jaw for 30 years.
Chapter 1 - 30 Years of Pain
Sung-jun was a lawyer at a major law firm. He was recognized for his brilliant mind and logic, but one thing always held him back.
"Attorney Lee, your impression seems a bit strong..."
Words he often heard at client meetings. Because of his underbite, his impression appeared aggressive.
Since childhood, he had lived with nicknames like "shark" and "shovel." When taking photos, he would lower his head to hide his jaw, and when smiling, he would cover his mouth.
When he turned 30, Sung-jun decided. He couldn't live like this anymore.
Chapter 2 - Resolution
Orthognathic surgery was no simple procedure. 4-6 hours under general anesthesia, at least one month recovery. The cost was over 15 million won.
But Sung-jun had already made up his mind.
"I can't postpone this any longer. I'm going to change my life."
He received CT scans and 3D simulation at a famous oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic in Seoul. The doctor explained.
"If we move the upper jaw forward and the lower jaw back, you'll have normal occlusion. Your facial line will change significantly too."
Chapter 3 - Surgery
Surgery day. Before the general anesthesia kicked in, Sung-jun repeated to himself.
"This is being reborn."
When he opened his eyes, he was in the ICU. His entire face was swollen and he couldn't move his mouth. His upper and lower teeth were fixed together with wires.
He ate only liquid food for 2 weeks. He couldn't speak properly. It was the hardest time.
But every time he looked at himself in the mirror, he was certain. Even through the swelling, he could see the changed jawline.
Chapter 4 - Recovery
One month later, the wires were removed. The swelling had gone down a lot.
Standing in front of the mirror, Sung-jun couldn't believe it. The underbite was gone and a slim jawline had appeared.
"Is this... my face?"
He took photos. He didn't need to hide his jaw like before. It looked natural from the front and the side.
For the first time, Sung-jun liked his own face.
Chapter 5 - Return
After two months of leave, he returned to the law firm. His colleagues' reactions varied.
"Sung-jun, where did you go to heal? You're completely different!"
"Did you diet? Your jawline looks great."
No one directly mentioned the surgery. But Sung-jun was already prepared.
"Yes, I had orthognathic surgery. It was a 30-year complex."
When he spoke honestly, his colleagues actually supported him.
Chapter 6 - Meeting Her
At a legal networking party, Sung-jun first met her. Kim Su-ah (29), a prosecutor at the prosecutor's office.
Strong and intelligent eyes. Sung-jun fell for her at first sight.
"Hello, I'm Lee Sung-jun, a lawyer at a law firm."
The old Sung-jun couldn't have approached like this first. But now it was different.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Prosecutor Kim Su-ah."
Su-ah's smile made Sung-jun's heart race.
Chapter 7 - Getting Closer
As business meetings increased, they naturally grew closer. They discussed legal issues and had dinner together.
"Sung-jun, you're so easy to be around. Other lawyers seem stiff, but you feel soft."
Sung-jun smiled bitterly at Su-ah's words. Before, he only heard that he "looked strong."
"Thank you. Actually, I was a bit different before."
"How so?"
Sung-jun thought for a moment and said.
"I'll tell you later."
Chapter 8 - Confession
On a walking trail in Seoul Forest. Sung-jun confessed the truth to Su-ah.
"Su-ah, I had orthognathic surgery. I originally had an underbite..."
Sung-jun pulled out his pre-surgery photos from his phone. Su-ah looked surprised for a moment.
"Really? You look like a completely different person."
"Yes, it was a 30-year complex. So I made a big decision and had the surgery."
Su-ah looked at Sung-jun for a long time and said.
"That's brave. I like that kind of determination."
Chapter 9 - Acceptance
Su-ah's reaction was a great comfort to Sung-jun. He realized he didn't have to be ashamed of plastic surgery.
He told his parents too.
"Dad, Mom. I had orthognathic surgery."
His mother was surprised but examined her son's changed face.
"So that's why you look so different. You've become handsome, son."
His father silently watched his son and said.
"As long as you're happy, that's what matters."
Chapter 10 - New Beginning
One year after orthognathic surgery. Sung-jun's life had completely changed.
He could argue more confidently in court. Clients trusted him, saying he "had a good impression."
Most importantly, he met a precious person named Su-ah.
"Sung-jun, when I see your old photos, you're completely different from now, but both are you. What's important isn't appearance, but the person inside."
Sung-jun nodded at Su-ah's words.
Epilogue - This Jaw Is Mine
Two years later, Sung-jun proposed to Su-ah. At the venue where they first met.
"Su-ah, please marry me."
"Yes, I will."
On their wedding day, Sung-jun stood before the mirror. He touched his changed jawline and thought.
This jaw was mine from the beginning. When it was an underbite, and now that it's slim. Both are part of my life.
Orthognathic surgery didn't just change his appearance. It taught him how to love himself.
"This jaw is mine. It's my appearance that I chose."
Sung-jun smiled confidently and headed to the wedding hall.
- The End -