In the Shadow of Joseon: The Birth of Three Lives

Min Jae is a man living in the Joseon Dynasty, where social class determines everything. As someone living in poverty, Min Jae faces various daily challenges. His simple life, with heavy work as a laborer or farmer, makes him constantly struggle to meet basic needs.

When Min Jae discovers that he is pregnant, it feels like his world has turned upside down. Pregnancy is something that has never happened to men in his era, making him feel alienated and confused. Min Jae realizes he is pregnant after experiencing several undeniable physical signs. Initially, he suffers from morning sickness, extreme fatigue, and physical changes such as swelling in his abdomen. These changes, along with gentle movements in his belly, convince him that something unusual is happening.

The cause of Min Jae's pregnancy turns out to be a rare medical condition known as ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) in men, caused by hormonal and genetic disturbances. In this case, Min Jae has a rare genetic anomaly that causes a uterus-like structure to develop within his body.

The exact cause of this pregnancy is genetic translocation or chromosomal abnormalities, leading Min Jae’s body to produce pregnancy hormones. This can occur if there is a chromosomal disorder that causes the development of uterus-like structures in men. Although extremely rare, some genetic conditions can cause the growth of uterus-like tissue in men.

Additionally, pregnancy with an embryo implanted in unusual tissue could also explain Min Jae’s condition. If certain hormones cause the growth of uterus-like tissue, an ectopic pregnancy could develop under such conditions.

In the Joseon Dynasty, access to healthcare was highly dependent on social class. People from lower classes like Min Jae did not have access to doctors or medical professionals who could assist them in emergency situations.

Min Jae faces a significant challenge as he tries to seek medical help for his extremely rare condition. Pregnancy in men is something unknown to the medical science of his time, and there is no adequate medical knowledge or documentation for such cases. When Min Jae visits doctors or traditional healers in his village, he often encounters rejection or misunderstanding due to their limited knowledge.

Whenever Min Jae describes his symptoms and physical condition, he only receives confused responses or even ridicule. The doctors, who usually serve the community, only know about pregnancy in women and are unable to provide appropriate care or treatment for this extremely rare male pregnancy. The lack of information and medical understanding regarding his case leaves them uncertain about how to handle the situation.

In addition to the lack of medical knowledge, social discrimination also poses a major problem for Min Jae. As a poor person, Min Jae does not have access to better healthcare facilities or more knowledgeable doctors. His low social class makes it difficult for him to receive proper medical attention. Village doctors are often reluctant to provide service to those from lower classes or prioritize patients from higher social classes.

With all these difficulties, Min Jae feels the weight of the burden he must bear. Not only does he have to face an extremely rare and misunderstood medical condition, but he also has to fight against social stigma and discrimination that undermines his hopes of receiving the necessary help. He must confront all these challenges with courage and determination, while hoping that despite the uncertainty, he can provide the best for his unborn child.

***

At the beginning of the third month, Min Jae began to feel a strong and unusual pressure in his abdomen. He often felt soft movements that seemed to come from several different points within his belly. These movements were not only sporadic but became more frequent and intense, causing him increasing anxiety. He felt that something abnormal was happening inside his body.

As time went on, Min Jae's belly continued to grow at a worrying rate. By the fourth month, his stomach was so large that it became difficult for him to move comfortably. The pain in his back and hips grew more intense, and he felt pressure every time he tried to stand or sit for long periods. This change was not only painful but also made him very anxious about what was really happening.

As he entered his second trimester, Min Jae began to realize that he was not just carrying one baby but more than that. The movements he felt in his belly became more intense and frequent, and he felt kicks in various areas of his abdomen, making him certain that there were multiple fetuses inside him. In the following weeks, his belly continued to grow to an unimaginable size. Every time he looked at himself in the mirror, he was shocked by how swollen his belly was, adding to his anxiety and confusion.

By the sixth month of his pregnancy, Min Jae finally received shocking confirmation. He began to feel movements that were different from usual, with some parts of his belly feeling harder and more swollen. Seeing his extremely large belly and feeling such strong movements from multiple points, Min Jae began to count and realized that he was not just carrying one baby but three at once. Each movement from within his belly seemed to collide with the movements of the other babies, making his stomach feel extremely uncomfortable.

Min Jae felt a mix of happiness and fear. On one hand, he felt very happy and grateful that God had blessed him with three babies at once. On the other hand, he was extremely worried and afraid of the challenges he would face, especially with his increasingly large belly and the intensifying pain.

***

At seven months pregnant, Min Jae's nights turned into times of intense pain and discomfort. Every time he tried to lie down to sleep, his large belly made it difficult to find a comfortable position. The pain in his back and hips grew more intense as he tried to lie down, making each small movement a struggle in itself.

Compounding the problem, his increasingly active babies at night made a restful sleep impossible. When night fell and Min Jae tried to close his eyes, he felt strange movements inside his belly, as if all three babies were jostling for space. Each kick and movement from within his abdomen made Min Jae wince in pain. With every contraction and movement, the pain spread from his back to his hips, forcing him to try various sleeping positions with additional pillows placed under his belly and between his legs, hoping to reduce the pressure on his increasingly heavy body.

However, every time he felt almost comfortable, the movements of the babies in his belly would disturb him again. They seemed to never stop moving, keeping Min Jae awake throughout the night. Sleep was often interrupted by this pain and discomfort, and when he finally managed to drift off, the throbbing pain in his back and abdomen would wake him up again. The nights felt long and exhausting, with only minimal and inadequate rest.

Min Jae's anxiety grew as he realized that his three babies were not in a normal position. He could feel them moving around in the wrong position, as if there was not enough space for them in his belly. Every time Min Jae tried to change his sleeping position to alleviate the pressure, the movements of the babies made it even harder to find comfort.

With mounting anxiety, Min Jae began seeking help. He visited all the doctors in his village, hoping someone could help him reposition the babies. However, every time he knocked on a door and asked for help, the response was always the same: "We can't help you. You're not from the class we serve."

That response shattered Min Jae's hopes. He couldn't accept the reality that, just because he came from a lower social class, the lives of his three babies should be at risk. He returned home with a sense of despair, tears often streaming down his face as he imagined the worst possible outcomes. Every night, as the pain became unbearable and his babies continued to move, Min Jae could only pray and hope for a miracle.

He knew that the day of delivery would be the greatest test of his life, and with all the fears haunting him, Min Jae prepared himself to face whatever would come, even as fear and anxiety loomed over every second of his diminishing sleep.

***

As his pregnancy entered the final trimester, Min Jae felt how his belly had grown so large that it was obstructing his daily activities. His swollen abdomen from carrying triplets made it difficult to move and carry out his usual routines. Pain began to accompany every activity he undertook, making everything increasingly exhausting.

Waking up in the morning became a struggle. Min Jae had to exert a great effort to lift his body out of bed, as every movement was accompanied by sharp pain in his lower back and a tight stomach. When he tried to stand, the pain in his hips and expanding belly forced him to pause and calm his body before continuing his journey to the kitchen.

Bathing became a major challenge. Min Jae struggled to bend and reach the parts of his body that were difficult to access, and each attempt intensified the pain in his abdomen and back. Bending over or raising his arms became extremely painful, and water that was too hot or too cold made his sensitive skin even more uncomfortable.

Despite all this, Min Jae remained convinced that these difficulties were part of a journey that would bring great joy when he finally met his three children.

***

On a cold, foggy morning at the beginning of autumn, Min Jae decided to go to the forest located far beyond the hill to gather firewood in preparation for the coming winter. Despite his large belly obstructing his movements and the contractions that had become increasingly intense over the past few days, he forced himself to gather firewood.

Carrying three babies in his belly, Min Jae moved slowly through the forest. Each step felt heavy and exhausting, and he experienced increasing pain in his abdomen. Contractions came in waves, causing him to frequently stop to endure the sharp pain. Each time a contraction came, Min Jae had to stand upright, take deep breaths, and hold onto a tree trunk or branch for support.

In the middle of the forest, Min Jae tried to find enough firewood for daily use. However, the difficulty increased as the contractions grew more intense. Every time he bent down to pick up or cut wood, the pain in his abdomen and hips became sharper. He felt as if something was pressing and forcing his body. Despite this, he continued to work slowly and carefully, trying not to let the pain stop him.

Min Jae often had to take breaks to calm himself whenever a contraction hit. He would sit on the ground carefully, hold his belly, and try to distract himself from the stabbing pain. For a few minutes, he could only rest and soothe his body before resuming the search for firewood.

As he gathered the wood and tied it with rope, the increasing pain made every movement feel like a struggle. Min Jae had to work hard to complete his task before heading home. He kept moving despite his exhaustion, determined to finish his job and return home as quickly as possible.

When he could no longer endure the pain, Min Jae began to realize how daunting the impending labor would be. With the load of wood already on his back, he was ready to head home. As he crossed the hill, the contractions became unbearable. The pain in his abdomen intensified, and he started to feel sharp pain radiating to his back and hips with every step. Min Jae struggled to keep the pain off his face. He leaned against a tree trunk and took deep breaths each time a contraction came. Despite this, he kept moving with strong resolve, knowing he had to get home soon to face the approaching labor.

Upon arriving home, Min Jae quickly prepared everything for the delivery. He carefully unloaded the firewood from his back and set up a clean and safe space for childbirth. With trembling hands from pain and exhaustion, he gathered the delivery supplies he had prepared beforehand—such as clean cloths, warm water, and a few simple tools.

Min Jae decided to set up a rope to assist him during the labor process. Carefully, he tied the rope to a beam in his house, preparing it as a support tool for when he needed to push. Each time a contraction came, he gripped the rope tightly, trying to alleviate the burden on his fatigued body.

As the pain became increasingly unbearable, Min Jae felt very strong contractions, signaling that labor was imminent. With all the strength and courage he had, he regulated his breathing and prepared himself for the upcoming delivery. Despite the exhaustion and pain weighing on his body, his determination to safely deliver the three babies kept him focused.

***

When night fell, Min Jae experienced intense contractions. The pain was so severe that his body shook uncontrollably. In the silent and tense atmosphere, Min Jae was accompanied only by the dim light of candles and unceasing prayers. Fear crept into his heart, but he knew he had to stay strong, for himself and his children.

Min Jae began the labor process with all his effort and determination. Each time he tried to push the babies out, he felt excruciating pain. The process was made more difficult because the three babies were not in a normal position. Min Jae gasped for breath as the pain hit his body again. He felt a sharp sensation between his legs, a sign that the first baby was beginning to emerge. However, the baby was not in an ideal position; its legs were coming out first, making the process even more agonizing. Min Jae could feel the tiny feet touching his groin, and he knew he had to push with all his might.

With his body trembling from exhaustion, Min Jae gripped the rope tied to the ceiling tightly. He spread his legs wide to help the baby come out. Gasping for breath, he endured the nearly unbearable pain and started pushing with all his strength. Sweat streamed down his face, soaking his already damp body. He bit down on the cloth tied around his head, trying to stifle the cries that kept forcing their way out of his throat.

As the baby's legs emerged further, Min Jae felt the pain becoming sharper. He knew the head was still far from coming out completely. He tried to stay focused, pushing away the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. With one long, determined push, Min Jae managed to deliver half of the baby, with the legs fully out, followed by the tiny body.

However, the baby’s head was still inside, trapped in the birth canal. Min Jae took a deep breath, gathering his remaining strength. He knew this was a crucial moment and he had to give everything he had left. With a scream full of pain, Min Jae pushed again, his body tensing as he struggled to deliver the baby's head.

Time seemed to slow down until, with one final push that made his entire body tremble, the baby’s head emerged perfectly. The baby immediately let out a loud cry, a sound of life filled with struggle. Min Jae felt his body go limp, but a faint smile appeared on his trembling lips. The first baby was born, though he knew the struggle was not over. Two more babies remained in his belly, and his already exhausted body had to prepare for a new fight.

Min Jae felt his extremely tired body trembling as he gathered his strength to deliver the second baby. The newly born first baby lay beside him, still crying with a soft voice that filled the room, giving him the mental boost to continue the struggle. He knew the second baby had to come out soon, and this time, at least, the baby was in a normal position, though larger.

Min Jae prepared himself, trying to regulate his labored breathing, and began pushing again. He felt the head of the second baby starting to descend, but progress was very slow. Each push brought increasingly sharp pain, as if his body was about to tear apart. The cloth tied around his head became soaked with sweat and tears. He stifled the cries that almost erupted from his throat, focusing entirely on delivering this larger baby.

A few times, Min Jae felt as though he might faint. His vision started to blur, and his body felt heavier, but the cries of the first baby nearby continued to give him the strength to endure. With ragged breaths and a hoarse voice, he pushed again, stronger than before. His head hung down as he exerted all his remaining energy. When the head of the second baby finally began to appear in the birth canal, the pain Min Jae experienced peaked, but he did not give up.

With one last, determined push, the head of the second baby finally emerged, followed by its shoulders and large body. Min Jae's body trembled as the baby was fully delivered, but unlike the first baby, the second did not cry immediately. Worry immediately gripped Min Jae, his body felt cold, and fear overtook him. He reached out to touch the baby, hoping to feel signs of life.

After what felt like an eternity, the second baby let out a weak cry. Though its cry was not as strong as the first baby’s, it was enough for Min Jae to feel relief. This baby was alive, though it seemed weaker. He took a deep breath, his body shaking heavily from exhaustion. Yet, he couldn't stop now. The third baby was still waiting to be born, and he needed to continue immediately.

Min Jae's body had reached its limit. He knew this would be the hardest test. The third baby was in a very unfavorable position, with its legs presenting first. This breech position made the labor process much more difficult and dangerous. Min Jae steeled himself, digging into his remaining strength to complete this final task.

He felt the third baby's legs beginning to emerge, but the baby seemed reluctant to come out completely. With increasingly heavy breaths, Min Jae tried to push again, but each push brought excruciating pain. The baby felt as though it was stuck inside, unwilling to come out. Min Jae's body began to feel numb, but he couldn't give up. He tried to change his position, kneeling on the bed while holding onto the edge for a better position. He hoped gravity would help, but the pain he experienced seemed unbearable.

After several attempts, Min Jae finally managed to see the third baby's legs emerging further. Gently but determinedly, he pulled the baby out little by little. Each pull made his body feel like it was burning, but Min Jae kept fighting. The cry of the second baby nearby strengthened his resolve not to give up.

With one final, determined push, Min Jae finally succeeded in delivering the third baby, feeling his entire body burning as the baby emerged fully. The baby was still for a moment before letting out a small cry. The sound of the cry was a sign that his struggle had been successful. The three babies were finally born into the world, despite the extraordinary struggle. Min Jae slumped, his body nearly unable to move, but his heart was filled with happiness and relief. The babies were safe, and that was the greatest reward he could receive after all the suffering he had endured.

After a struggle that nearly drained all his strength, Min Jae finally lay down peacefully, cradling the three babies now sleeping beside him. The room was filled with a new warmth, the sound of the babies' cries now hushed, and a peaceful atmosphere gradually enveloped the space. Though his body was infinitely weary, Min Jae's heart was filled with indescribable joy. The three tiny babies, born from an extraordinary struggle and love, were a testament to his perseverance and determination. In the silence of the night, Min Jae smiled weakly, yet happily, feeling his life now complete with their presence. With his eyes beginning to close, he promised himself to protect and love them with all his heart, no matter what happened.

Story by Calvin Lee