‘Mary Kills People’ takes on euthanasia debate with bold storytelling
Lee Bo-young plays a physician who facilitates assisted deaths in "Mary Kills People." / Courtesy of MBC
MBC’s upcoming drama “Mary Kills People” will confront audiences with the provocative topic of assisted suicide, exploring the ethical boundaries of life and death through a suspenseful and emotional narrative.
At a press conference held at MBC headquarters in Mapo District, Seoul, Thursday, cast members Lee Bo-young, Kang Ki-young, Lee Min-ki, Kwon Hae-hyo and Yoon Ga-yi, along with director Park Joon-woo, introduced the drama and its themes.
The series follows a doctor who assists terminally ill patients with euthanasia and the detective who pursues her, questioning the legality and morality of her actions.
“This is a story about a doctor helping patients with incurable diseases and a police officer chasing that doctor,” said director Park. “From the perspective of the law, she could be seen as a serial killer. But why did she begin committing these so-called murders in the name of euthanasia? That’s the question we want to ask.”
Park, known for hits like “Taxi Driver” and “Crash,” said, “This is the first time a Korean drama is spotlighting euthanasia. Each episode includes deeply personal stories of the characters. We want to raise public awareness, even though euthanasia is still illegal in Korea.”
Cast members, from left, Lee Min-ki, Lee Bo-young, Kang Ki-young, Yoon Ga-yi and Kwon Hae-hyo pose at a press conference to introduce “Mary Kills People” at MBC headquarters in Mapo District, Seoul, Thursday. Newsis
He continued, “We recognize a person’s right to sexual autonomy — but do we acknowledge the right to die? What if your own family member asked for your help in ending their life? That’s the extreme scenario we explore. We focus on familial relationships and whether the characters truly empathize with one another.”
The term euthanasia originates from the Greek word “eu,” meaning good, and “thanatos,” meaning death, symbolizing a peaceful end.
“Mary Kills People” presents itself as a medical thriller that blurs the line between right and wrong. Though the protagonist is a doctor, her job — helping people die — challenges the viewer to consider what a true happy ending might look like.
Lee Bo-young plays Woo So-jung, an emergency physician who facilitates assisted deaths. Lee Min-ki takes on a dual role as terminally ill patient Jo Hyun-woo and detective Ban Ji-hoon.
Kang Ki-young appears as Choi Dae-hyun, a former plastic surgeon who assists So-jung, balancing warmth and emotional weight in the role.
“I approached my character as someone with a strong sense of righteousness,” said Lee Bo-young. “I’m aware the role could be controversial.”
Kang added, “My character acts out of a desire to offer peace and relief. That’s the mindset I had while playing him.”
Kwon Hae-hyo, who plays Father Yang, said, “He’s a man who raises profound questions.”
Lee Bo-young plays Woo So-jung in "Mary Kills People." / Courtesy of MBC
The actors also spoke about why they chose the project. “When I select a drama, it’s usually something that aligns with my thoughts,” said Lee Bo-young. “As my parents and I age, I’ve started thinking about later life. This script came at a time when that was on my mind. It’s not just an entertaining topic — it’s something worth discussing.”
Lee Min-ki said, “I watched a documentary about assisted death, and after talking with the director, I felt this drama could inspire thought and conversation.”
Kang Ki-young said the subject matter felt fresh. “It’s not an easy story, but my character adds some lightness, which made me want to join.”
Lee Bo-young is making a return to MBC after 13 years. “There’s pressure to do well after such a long time,” she said. “When I received the script last July, I had just read about an elderly couple abroad who chose assisted death. My husband (actor Ji Sung) and I were talking about it at the time. Was their decision to avoid burdening their children a form of happiness? I still don’t know. There’s no clear right or wrong. But I hope this drama opens the door to conversation.”
“Mary Kills People” premieres Aug. 1 on MBC.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.