Min has a wife whom Tree-ear meets when he becomes a full-fledged employee for Min. Min's wife comes out and gives Tree-ear his midday meal each day and is also the one who gives Tree-ear warm clothes when winter approaches. In time, Tree-ear and Min's wife develop a close relationship. In fact, Min's wife encourages Tree-ear to call her Ajima, a name that is like aunt and is reserved for highly respected adult family members. Tree-ear is deeply touched by this gesture. Later, when Tree-ear returns from Songdo, Ajima gives him the name Hyung-pil and asks him to live with her and Min.