A Bold Drama Tackling Life, Death, and Moral Dilemmas

"Mary Kills People," MBC's new Friday-Saturday medical thriller, is ready to stir conversation. The drama takes a fearless approach to the topic of euthanasia, diving deep into the ethical gray zones between life, death, and the choices that define them.

Director Park Joon-woo described the series as more than just a cat-and-mouse chase. "It's not just about a fugitive and a detective. It's about asking 'why.' I wanted to spark societal dialogue around assisted dying," he said at the drama's press conference on July 31.

A Doctor and a Dying Man Cross Paths

Lee Bo-young stars as Woo So-jung, an emergency physician with firm beliefs against meaningless life-prolonging treatment. Secretly, she performs assisted euthanasia for terminal patients. Lee Min-ki plays Ban Ji-hoon, a detective who goes undercover as terminally ill cancer patient Jo Hyun-woo to expose So-jung's illegal operations.

Their encounter brings to light an uncomfortable irony: a doctor sworn to save lives now guiding patients toward death. The drama challenges viewers to confront one of the most difficult questions: "What is truly right?"

Pushing the Boundaries of K-Dramas

"Mary Kills People" marks the first Korean drama to directly address euthanasia. Park noted that while the tone is suspenseful, each episode explores personal stories behind patients' decisions—why they want to die and what kind of death they hope for.

The drama is set in a reality where euthanasia is illegal in Korea but permitted in some countries. "This show is meant to start a conversation—not promote assisted dying," Park emphasized.

Powerful Performances from a Veteran Cast

Lee Bo-young shared that she received the script during a period of personal reflection on aging and mortality. "I thought, maybe it's time we start talking about these things," she said. She portrays So-jung with emotional restraint, aiming to convey warmth and compassion without overwhelming viewers.

Her character is described as inherently good, someone who ends suffering out of mercy. "I tried to reflect that kindness even through her eyes," Lee said.

Lee Min-ki takes on a dual role as both the dying Hyun-woo and the investigating Ji-hoon. He was drawn to the project for its depth and moral complexity. "Is it really murder if it's done out of mercy? That's the kind of conflict Ji-hoon experiences," he explained.

More Than Just Darkness

Kang Ki-young brings lightness to the show as Choi Dae-hyun, a former plastic surgeon who lost his license and now assists So-jung. A close friend from med school, his role provides comic relief amidst the show's heavy themes.

"I approached the role with the belief that we were offering peace and salvation," Kang said. He also praised Lee Bo-young's collaborative energy, adding, "I even gave her some acting notes—and she graciously accepted them."

Pushing the Limits with a 19+ Rating

The series carries a 19+ rating due to its sensitive subject matter. Park explained, "The broadcasting commission restricts content that may glamorize suicide. We felt that a mature rating allowed us to tell the story more honestly."

Despite concerns that the show may seem to glorify euthanasia, Park made it clear: "This isn't a message to say euthanasia should be normalized. Each character is in conflict. There is no simple answer."

He concluded, "This drama is about minority choices. We're not saying assisted dying is the right path for everyone—or a shortcut to happiness."

Lee Bo-young added, "If the drama stirs controversy, that means people are watching and talking. And that, I think, is a good start."

Mary Kills People premieres August 1 at 10 PM KST on MBC.