Lee Bo-young Returns to MBC with Provocative New Drama 'Mary Kills People'

After a 13-year hiatus, Lee Bo-young (이보영) is making her comeback to MBC with the new drama 'Mary Kills People' (메리 킬즈 피플), which tackles the controversial subject of assisted dying. The production press conference took place on July 31, 2025, at MBC's headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul, featuring cast members Lee Bo-young, Lee Min-ki (이민기), Kang Ki-young (강기영), Kwon Hae-hyo (권해효), Yoon Ga-i (윤가이), and director Park Jun-woo (박준우).

'Mary Kills People' is based on a Canadian series of the same name and follows a doctor who assists terminally ill patients in dying peacefully, while a detective investigates these cases. Director Park Jun-woo described the show as a suspenseful drama that explores the moral complexities surrounding assisted dying, stating, "The story revolves around doctors who help terminally ill patients die without suffering and the police who pursue them. The unique aspect is that the main characters, played by Lee Bo-young and Kang Ki-young, are seen as serial killers from the police's perspective. The core question is why they engage in what is considered illegal euthanasia."

He emphasized that this drama is one of the first in South Korea to directly address the topic of assisted dying, presenting a narrative that intertwines the lives of the protagonists with their patients' stories, including family dynamics and the reasons behind their requests for euthanasia.

Lee Bo-young plays Woo So-jung (우소정), a veteran emergency room doctor who secretly assists selected patients in dying. She shared her perspective on her character, stating, "I portrayed her as a fundamentally good person who believes she is saving others from suffering. However, this character can spark controversy as viewers may question the morality of her actions."

When asked why she chose this project, Lee Bo-young explained, "I often select roles based on my interest in the character or the script's appeal. However, this time, the themes resonated with my personal reflections on aging and mortality, especially as my parents grow older. I felt it was important to discuss such topics, regardless of their entertainment value."

Lee Min-ki portrays Jo Hyun-woo (조현우), a terminal cancer patient who seeks Woo So-jung's assistance. He also plays Ban Ji-hoon (반지훈), a detective who goes undercover to investigate her illegal activities. He expressed his interest in the project, noting that he had previously seen documentaries on assisted dying, which made him eager to participate in a thought-provoking narrative.

Kang Ki-young plays Choi Dae-hyun (최대현), a former plastic surgeon and Woo So-jung's ally in her efforts to provide assisted dying. He highlighted the complexity of the subject matter, stating, "While the drama deals with death, my character brings a lighter tone to the story, emphasizing the compassionate intentions behind their actions."

Kwon Hae-hyo (권해효), who plays Father Yang, a priest at a welfare hospital, shared his thoughts on the moral dilemmas presented in the show, stating, "The drama raises fundamental questions about the ethics of assisted dying and the relationships between the characters involved."

Yoon Ga-i (윤가이) plays Choi Ye-na (최예나), a nurse who assists Woo So-jung. She noted that her character's perspective evolves throughout the series, reflecting on the emotional impact of assisted dying on both patients and their families.

The drama is set to premiere on August 1, 2025, at 10 PM, and aims to spark discussions about the sensitive topic of assisted dying in South Korea, where it remains a controversial issue. Director Park Jun-woo expressed hope that the show would encourage viewers to engage in meaningful conversations about life and death.