Lee Bo Young Tackles Life, Death, and Dignity in Bold New Drama Mary Kills People – kdramadiary
Lee Bo Young is set to challenge hearts and minds in MBC’s gripping new Friday-Saturday drama Mary Kills People, which premieres on August 1.
The series centers on the controversial and emotionally charged topic of assisted dying, blending suspense with moral complexity.
In the drama, Lee Bo Young stars as Woo So-jung, an accomplished emergency physician who, despite dedicating her life to saving others, begins helping terminally ill patients end theirs with dignity. As she walks the tightrope between compassion and legality, So-jung faces inner turmoil, ethical conflict, and societal judgment — all while holding fast to her core belief: easing suffering is an act of humanity.
The series is a collaboration between director Park Joon-woo (Taxi Driver, Crash), known for turning high-stakes action into cinematic emotion, and writer Lee Soo-ah, who has captured both nuance and empathy in works like The Law of Sensuality and Unemployment Benefit Romance. With a powerhouse cast that includes Lee Min Ki, Kang Ki Young, Baek Hyun Jin, Kwon Hae Hyo, Kim Tae Woo, and Seo Young Hee, Mary Kills People promises a thought-provoking narrative anchored by top-tier performances.
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In newly released stills, Lee Bo Young fully inhabits the role of veteran doctor Woo So-jung — leading emergency procedures with precision, guiding junior staff with calm authority, and navigating chaotic ER scenes with laser focus. The big question: what pushes this life-saving doctor to cross the line into helping patients die?
Lee Bo Young shared the personal reason she chose this bold role. “These days, I’ve found myself thinking more about assisted dying, especially with my parents getting older,” she revealed. “I happened to read a story about a couple in Canada who chose to die together through assisted death. I was having deep conversations with my husband about it. Then this script came along — and it felt like fate.”
She continued, “When I first read the script, I cried. It made me reflect not just on how people die, but on how we can preserve human dignity through the end of life. This isn’t just about choosing death — it’s about protecting one’s humanity in the face of unbearable pain. I felt like it’s finally a conversation we can begin to have openly.”
Describing Woo So-jung, Lee added, “She’s someone who fundamentally wants to help. Even if it’s risky, she can’t turn away from someone in pain. I focused on playing her as a deeply compassionate person — even if society might question her actions.”
The production team praised her dedication, saying, “Lee Bo-young brings exceptional sensitivity and depth to every scene. Her portrayal of Woo So-jung is honest, layered, and quietly powerful. It will undoubtedly stir the audience’s hearts and prompt meaningful reflection.”
As Mary Kills People dives into ethical gray areas with emotional resonance, viewers can expect an unforgettable journey — one that dares to ask: when does helping someone live turn into helping them die?
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