Kim Minsung

Kim Minsung is a central character of How to Drawn an Ellipse. She serves as one of the protagonists, later antagonist, of the story.
== Biography ==
=== Background and early life ===
Kim Minsung endured a tragic loss early in life when her parents perished in a accidentHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 61.. Despite this adversity, she demonstrated exceptional intellectual prowess from a young age, garnering attention for her remarkable abilities. Minsung's prodigious talent was showcased on television, where she astounded audiences by solving complex equations with ease, establishing her reputation as a prodigyHow to Drawn an Ellipse. Chapter 62 and 67. .
After the deaths of her parents, she was placed in foster care. Becoming withdrawn and ceasing to speak, wash, or dress herself, she experienced significant changes in behavior. Due to her reaction to this tragic loss, Minsung received care at Manse Children's Hospital, where she was diagnosed with PTSD stemming from the trauma of her parents' deathHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 64.. Additionally, there were initial concerns about autism, but the doctor later ruled out that possibility.
During her master's program, Miyeon was referred to Manse Children's Hospital for fieldwork, despite its lack of relevance to her thesis. She was advised that the experience might be beneficial for her future role as a parent. There, she began working with Minsung, who was seven years old at the timeHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 65. . While Minsung's guardians reported disruptive behavior at home, this was not observed during her time at the hospital. Miyeon and Minsung developed a close bond, with Miyeon even mentioning Minsung during her dates with Youngea, to the mild annoyance of Youngea.
Later, with Youngea's intervention, Miyeon began working at another medical facility and said farewell to Minsung. During Miyeon's absence, Minsung resumed speaking and expressed a longing for Miyeon, as she missed her. 
Due to a disagreement between Minsung's foster mother, Ms. Kim, and the hospital regarding Minsung's participation in television entertainment shows, Minsung was withdrawn from treatment at the hospital. While Ms. Kim wanted Minsung to participate, the hospital disagreed arguing that it would be bad for her health. Eventually, after the hospital insisted, they came to a agreement that If they provided the same treatment to her foster sister Eunseol, Minsung would receive an additional month of treatment, as her foster mother believed Eunseol was also a prodigy. As a result, Miyeon was asked to return and assist during the final month of treatment.
The month passed quickly, and at the end, Minsung did not want to leave the hospital's care, prompting her to start crying. Miyeon requested more time with her, and proposed that she and Youngea could drive Minsung home afterwards. During the outing, Youngea introduced herself as Miyeon's girlfriend. They went out to eat together and enjoyed spicy food. Minsung appeared very happy and content being with them, smiling frequently.
Afterwards, they went out to buy gloves for Minsung. Youngea remembered that the foster parents had another child and bought gloves for her as well. When Minsung came home, Eunseol wanted her gloves and they ended up destroying Minsung's gloves when she refused to give them to Eunseol. Miyeon had forgotten to bring the gloves to Eunseol and returned to give them to her. Upon her return, Miyeon saw that Eunseol had the broken gloves in her hands and realized that something was wrong. She stormed into Minsung's room and found Minsung sitting alone in the dark. Miyeon suspected that Minsung's foster parents could have abused her, but found it difficult to believe that someone would actually harm children. Minsung's foster parents subjected her to isolation, abuse, and humiliation.
Upon learning that Minsung is being subjected to abuse by her foster parents, Miyeon and Youngea take action. Without permission, they remove Minsung from her home to rescue her from the situation. Youngea uses her connections to arrange for Minsung to live with them instead of her abusive foster parents, although legally, her foster parents remained Minsung's guardiansHow to Drawn an Ellipse. Chapter 71 and 72..
=== The New York years ===
After settling the situation and it being determined that Seo Miyeon would take care of her from now on, Minsung relocated to the United States, where she resided for six years with Miyeon and YoungeaHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 53. Together, the two women assumed the role of parents, nurturing Minsung and providing her with a supportive upbringing. Despite encountering initial challenges in their relationship, Youngea and Minsung eventually forged a strong bond, forming a loving family unit as depicted in various flashbacks throughout the seriesHow to Draw an Ellipse. Part 3. Chapter 10-12. . 
Youngea and Miyeon eventually decided to have their own child, and they explained the process to Minsung, informing her that she would soon have a sister or brother. Miyeon would carry the child, and they opted for an experimental process allowing two women to have a child together. While Minsung didn't fully grasp the significance, she was somewhat supportiveHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter .. 
The tranquility persisted until Youngea received a summons to return to Korea to meet her father, leading to her absence for five years. During this prolonged period, there was minimal communication, with Youngea's secretary being the only intermediary. The secretary informed Miyeon of Youngea's impending marriage to Lim Seokho, and later urged Miyeon to sign a confidentiality agreement concerning their relationship and child, exacerbating their estrangementHow to Draw an Ellipse. Part 2, Chapter . . The secretary later called to threaten Miyeon, implying they might take Hyunwoo away unless Miyeon kept her word. Minsung supported the idea of sending Hyunwoo away and preferred not having her aroundHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 6.. 
This perceived betrayal deeply hurt and traumatized both Miyeon and Minsung. Minsung interrupted the conversation Miyeon was having with Youngea's secretary and demanded that Youngea address them directlyHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 98.. In an attempt to sabotage the wedding, she sent a compromising video of Lim Seokho from a go-go bar, cut the power at the wedding reception, and sent Youngea a black wedding dressHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 100. . 
=== Youngea leaves ===
Amidst Youngea's absence, Minsung and Miyeon's relationship deepened, with Minsung assuming a significantly greater role in household responsibilities than expected for her age. During this time, Minsung assisted Miyeon with caring for Hyunwoo, although Minsung often expressed the belief that they would be better off without HyunwooHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 6.. Miyeon later realized that she did not have a single picture of them smiling together, and wondered if Minsung really did hate HyunwooHow to Drawn an Ellipse. Chapter 57.. 
During this period Miyeon conveyed to Minsung that she was the only person who would unconditionally understand and love her, fostering a belief that they were united against the world. As depicted when Minsung reflects on her past, Miyeon told Minsung that she is the one she cares about the most, as she has no one else. “Don't be anxious (...) You're the one I treasure the most (...) Because I'm all that you have”How to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 6.. Miyeon deliberately ensured that Minsung would forever remain a child who only thinks about herselfHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 29. . 
However, Miyeon's encouragement of Minsung to retain her negative traits and failure to facilitate her development as a typical teenager influenced Minsung's perception of their relationship. Eventually, Minsung's regard for Miyeon shifted from that of a caregiver to romantic interest. This transition may have been influenced by her traumatic childhood experiences, from which Miyeon rescued her, as well as Miyeon's affirmation that she was the sole individual who loved her unconditionally.
During this time, she would also develop her hacking skills and become an exceptionally skilled hacker. She adopted the online nickname P, which was initially assumed to stand for Peekaboo, but it actually represented Pepperoni, Minsung's favorite pizza topping, which she would often enjoy with Youngea in the pastHow to Draw an Ellipse. Part 3, chapter 4-7. . 
=== The return of Yoo Youngea ===
Upon Youngea's return, Minsung greeted her with hostility and rejection, harboring deep resentment toward Youngea for the pain she had caused Miyeon by leaving five years prior. Minsung also struggled with the idea of someone else being romantically involved with Miyeon, as she had assumed a significant role in the household during Youngea's absence and felt her own position was being diminished. Furthermore, Minsung harbored suspicions that Youngea would hurt Miyeon once again.
Youngea quickly discerned that the dynamic between Minsung and Miyeon had shifted away from that of mother and daughter, perceiving Minsung as a romantic rival. Consequently, she encouraged Minsung to pursue independence by obtaining her own life and apartment. Youngea informed Minsung that if she is interested in older women, she should look elsewhere. 
Despite their fraught relationship, there were moments where they briefly recaptured the essence of their former family unit. Attending Minsung's award party together, they exhibited remnants of their previous bond, suggesting that traces of their old affection still lingeredHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 89.. Minsung would later reflect on happier times and cherished moments, but those moments were fleeting as her relationship with Youngea deteriorated over time due to their rivalry for Miyeon's affectionHow to Drawn an Ellipse. Chapter 89..
At some point after Youngea's return, Miyeon became skeptical of Minsung and decided to install cameras in the house. Through the footage, they discovered that Hyunwoo had fainted while in Minsung's presence, and Minsung had ignored her, leaving her lying on the floor. Shocked by what she saw, Miyeon attempted to delete the video, but Youngea stopped her, believing that Minsung's actions were deliberate and fueled by her animosity towards Youngea. Youngea gave Miyeon a two-day deadline to confront Minsung and resolve the situation. Miyeon later reflected that even if Minsung had acted intentionally and harbored resentment towards Hyunwoo, she could not blame her, as it was her own fault for allowing things to deteriorate to this point.
This incident led to an argument between Minsung and Miyeon, with Miyeon feeling that Minsung was choosing Youngea over her and pushing her aside. Minsung did not offer an explanation for leaving Hyunwoo unconscious on the floor. Minsung expressed her feelings of being used by Miyeon and her anger towards her, ultimately leaving. She later reflected on her desire to prove Youngea wrong and find a partner her own age. Her inner thoughts suggest that while she was conscious of her feelings for Miyeon and the jealousy that arose from Miyeon's relationship with Youngea, she also felt a sense of shame associated with these emotions.
=== Exodus and Juha ===
Upon departing from Miyeon following their argument, Minsung returned to Korea and soon realized she needed to secure a place to live. To this end, she embarked on a quest to find her ideal partner by manipulating dating apps, meticulously seeking out someone who met her criteria. Ultimately, she found a candidate who seemed to align perfectly with her desires: Yoo Juha. Using social media to further study Juha's personality, Minsung meticulously tailored her own persona to match Juha's ideal type. Juha, believing she had discovered her perfect match, swiftly developed feelings for Minsung. 
They ended up cohabitated for three years while Minsung worked as a freelance programmer, with Minsung taking on the majority of the household chores. Throughout their three-year relationship, they never experienced a single disagreement or argument. Mainly due to how Minsung maintained the facade of being the perfect girlfriend, which demanded all of her energy.
Before the trip to Vietnam, the relationship began to display signs of strain. They avoided discussing deeper issues, with Minsung seemingly agreeing with Juha to avoid conflict rather than expressing her true feelings. However, they did not address this tension. Instead, they both immersed themselves in their workHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 44. . Additionally, Miyeon stated that she located Minsung only because she permitted itHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 23. . Despite searching for three years, Miyeon was unable to find Minsung due to her skilled at hiding. Therefore, it is implied that Minsung allowed herself to be found at the beginning of the story. 
=== Start of the story ===
The story begins with Juha and Minsung embarking on a trip to Vietnam. They are celebrating Juha's new role as creative media director at Total Media and their three-year anniversary as a couple. This trip marks their first vacation together. The night before their departure, Minsung stays up late working for a demanding client, only to later discover that the client was Lee Kyuseon trying to determine if Minsung was the hacker P. 
While in Vietnam, Miyeon reaches out to them, interrupting their three-year anniversary celebration by sending a gift of cake and champagne while they are out dining. Miyeon desires a private conversation with Minsung, but Juha refuses to allow it. To Miyeon's astonishment, Minsung complies with Juha's directive not to meet with Miyeon aloneHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter . .
Upon returning home, Minsung and Juha engage in a heated argument about Miyeon. Minsung grapples with the decision of how much to disclose to Juha about her past with Miyeon. Meanwhile, Minsung becomes aware that her laptop has been hacked and decides to have it examined. Unbeknownst to her, Eunseol uncovers the truth about how Minsung and Juha's relationship was orchestrated while looking trough her laptop.
Miyeon later approaches Minsung and asks her to return, but Minsung declines the offer, expressing her desire to find Juha instead. Juha is missing after having an argument with Minsung, and she is out drinking with Eunseol. Miyeon offers advice on where to find her, and Minsung thanks her, surprising Miyeon, as the Minsung she knew would never say thank you.
When Juha and Minsung return home from Vietnam, they discover their apartment cordoned off by the police, prompting Juha to faint. Park Eunseol and Lee Kyuseon then appear and deceive Minsung into believing that Juha had refused medical assistance and was taken to their apartment, located directly below Minsung and Juha's.
Unbeknownst to them, this ruse is orchestrated by Park Eunseol and Lee Kyuseon to manipulate Minsung and Juha into thinking that Miyeon is responsible for their predicament. They do this to recruit them into a mission aimed at disrupting a project overseen by Miyeon related to drug usage, presenting themselves as champions of justice.
While Juha is readily persuaded, Minsung remains more skeptical but eventually consents to oppose Miyeon. However, the precise objective of this project and its potential ramifications are left unspecified. To contribute effectively, Minsung must revert to her original persona, as she is currently expending all her energy on projecting the persona desired by Juha.
Consequently, Juha and Minsung must spend less time together, and Minsung must achieve a score of 1000 points in a training game devised by Kyuseon. They further plan to utilize Juha's new position at ML Pharmaceutical, following the company's merger with Total Media, to hack into the company's database and steal information about the secret project overseen by Miyeon when Minsung is ready. 
During this time, Minsung grappled with conflicting emotions toward Juha and Miyeon, encountering recurring dreams involving both individuals. Despite consistently expressing contentment with Juha and her desire to remain with her, Minsung's inner turmoil endured. Minsung reflects on how she enjoyed portraying herself as Juha's ideal partner, yet questions the purpose of their relationship if their love hinges on expecting reciprocation. Meanwhile, Minsung fears losing Juha, but in her dreams, she wonders why Miyeon continues to linger in her heart, hinting at enduring sentiments. Additionally, Minsung contemplates whether a more patient and nurturing approach in the past could have garnered Miyeon's affectionHow to Draw an Ellipse. Chapter 34-35..
Unaware of Minsung's romantic feelings for Miyeon, Juha believed the issue stemmed from the strained relationship between mother and daughter. She encouraged Minsung to reconnect with Miyeon, unaware of the complexities underlying their dynamic.
Juha encourages Minsung to attend Hyunwoo's birthday party as a means to reconnect with her mother and sister. Although Minsung is initially hesitant, she eventually agrees to go. During the party, Minsung largely ignores Hyunwoo's attempts to gain her attention. Meanwhile, Juha tries to divert Youngea and Seokho's attention by challenging them to a drinking competition. Seokho quickly passes out after just one drink, while Juha loses to Youngea. In her drunken state, Juha refers to Miyeon as her mother-in-law and Minsung's mother, much to Minsung's dismay. Miyeon, on the other hand, reflects on why it is so effortless for Juha to say that, implying that she does not mind being referred to as Minsung's mother.
While Miyeon later reflects on her uncertainty regarding the necessity of removing Juha from the equation, her feelings remain enigmatic. At times, their dynamic appears maternal, resembling that of a mother and child, while at other times, Miyeon's affection for Minsung seems romantic in nature. These conflicting sentiments contribute to the complexity of their relationship.
But as Juha begins to reconsider her collaboration with Park Eunseol and Lee Kyuseon, they reveal to her how Minsung meticulously selected her from among many as a partner for cohabitation and companionship. Upon learning that their entire relationship was orchestrated, Juha confronts Minsung, leading to a heated argument that ultimately prompts Minsung to flee.
=== Breakup and new relationship ===
Following the altercation, Minsung flees and seeks solace with Miyeon. In a moment of emotional vulnerability, Minsung kisses Miyeon, triggering a flashback for Miyeon, who recalls the realization of Minsung's affection for her. Resolved to meet Minsung's desires, Miyeon acquiesces, though it remains uncertain whether her feelings for Minsung are genuine or borne out of a desire to maintain their connection. The narrative implies that they spend the night together, strongly hinting at a physical encounter.
Youngea is informed by Hyunwoo's teacher about the situation between Minsung and Miyeon the day afterwards. This news upsets her greatly, and she rushes to confront Miyeon. She desperately hopes that the information is untrue and would believe Miyeon if she denied it. Miyeon knows that she is coming and does not deny it. Miyeon breaks up with Youngea by proclaiming her love of Minsung, to the great despair of Youngea. Youngea breaks down crying and calls their relation disgusting and unnatural, they raised Minsung together from when she was but a child. Miyeon then provocatively suggests to Youngea that her relationship with Minsung mirrors the one she shared with Youngea herself. Expressing her dissatisfaction with their relationship, which she views as tainted, Miyeon's words prompt Youngea to slap her. Unbeknownst to Youngea, Minsung is recording the altercation, intending to use it as leverage later. When Minsung enters the scene, she taunts Youngea about being recorded, drawing parallels to a previous incident where Minsung was recorded leaving Hyunwoo unconscious on the floor.
As a result of blackmailing Youngea, Minsung is employed as a security consultant tasked with developing a new system to monitor users' health via a device worn on the wrist for ML Pharmaceutical. She is actively working towards their ultimate goal of severing ties with Youngea permanently. She plans to do this by giving Youngea what she always wanted, control over the company. 
Minsung decides to ignore and not discuss their new status with Juha. Failing to inform Juha of their breakup, Minsung's actions leave Juha oblivious to their relationship's demise. Juha, battling illness in the ensuing days, remains unaware until informed by Youngea much later about Minsung's involvement with Miyeon. Until the revelation, Juha remains affectionate in her thoughts and actions towards Minsung and actively seeks to resolve the misunderstanding and seems to want to continue their relationship. 
Despite her commitment to the objective of going away with Miyeon and her callous way of breaking up with Juha, Minsung is plagued by frequent dreams involving Juha and experiences feelings of guilt regarding her actions. In contrast, she harbors contempt towards Youngea and does not display any sense of remorse in her dealings with her.
== Personality and traits ==
Minsung is portrayed as a brilliant hacker with unparalleled computer skills. However, her social skills are lacking, and she struggles in interpersonal interactions. Moreover, her perspective tends to be rigid and binary, viewing the world in black and white terms. 
It has been noted by multiple characters that Minsung's handwriting is notably poor.
Her favorite food is milkshakes.
== Relationships ==
=== Yoo Juha ===
=== Seo Miyeon ===
The dynamic between Minsung and Miyeon is complicated. Miyeon, alongside Youngea, rescued Minsung from abuse inflicted by her adoptive family. Together, they nurtured and cared for her for several years. Prior to Youngea's departure, she shared a typical maternal relationship with Minsung.
Subsequently, Minsung developed romantic feelings for Miyeon, and witnessing Miyeon and Youngea together caused Minsung to feel betrayed.
=== Yoo Youngea ===
Minsung derived her nickname "P" from "pepperoni" during a pizza outing with Youngea.
=== Seo Hyunwoo ===