Multilayer ceramic electronic component having controlled difference in continuity between internal electrodes and method of manufacturing the same

A method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic component, the method comprising:

• preparing ceramic green sheets by using a slurry containing a ceramic powder;
• forming internal electrode patterns on the ceramic green sheets using a conductive metal paste;
• forming a laminate by laminating the ceramic green sheets;
• and
• forming a ceramic body including dielectric layers and first and second internal electrodes disposed to face each other with the dielectric layer interposed therebetween, by applying microwaves to the laminate at the time of sintering thereof,
• wherein the ceramic body includes a capacitance forming part contributing to capacitance formation and a non-capacitance forming part provided on at least one of upper and lower surfaces of the capacitance forming part,
• when the capacitance forming part is divided into three areas in a thickness direction of the ceramic body, a difference in continuity between internal electrodes in a middle area of the three areas and internal electrodes in upper and lower areas thereof is greater than 1% and less than 5%, and
• the continuity of the internal electrodes in the upper and lower areas is 95% or higher.