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

MBC is set to release a new drama titled 'Mary Kills People', rated for viewers 19 and older, focusing on the controversial topic of assisted dying. This marks actress Lee Bo-young's return to MBC dramas after 13 years, taking on a bold role that explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding life and death.

On the 31st, a press conference for 'Mary Kills People' was held at the MBC headquarters in Sangam, Seoul. Attendees included actors Lee Bo-young, Lee Min-ki, Kang Ki-young, Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Ga-i, and director Park Joon-woo. The suspense drama follows a doctor who assists terminally ill patients in dying and the detective pursuing them.

Lee Bo-young plays Woo So-jung, an emergency medicine doctor who aids in assisted dying. She stated, "I portrayed my character as an absolute good. I approached her as someone who ends the suffering of the sick, but viewers might see her actions as illegal or wrong, making her a potentially controversial character. Nevertheless, I believed in her goodness while acting."

Returning to MBC after her last appearance in 'Hooray for Love' in 2012, Lee expressed, "I honestly feel the pressure for a good outcome. Since it's been a while since I was called back, I feel the need to deliver good results."

On choosing the project, she explained, "Sometimes I choose a role because of a character or scene I want to portray, or because the drama is interesting. But there are times when a project resonates with my thoughts or emotions at the time. This script came to me when I was contemplating aging and the future, as my parents are getting older. It wasn't about fun or interest, but rather wanting to tell this story at least once."

Married to Ji Sung, Lee was asked if she felt any burden tackling the subject of assisted dying. She shared, "I received the script around July last year, and around that time, I read news about an elderly couple overseas choosing assisted dying together. I discussed it a lot with Ji Sung. We thought it wasn't a bad choice. If we ever feel like a burden to our children as we age, being able to make such a choice while mentally sound might mean living a happy life."

She continued, "I still don't know. I can't definitively say if it's right or wrong. From my perspective, it seems like a happy way of life, but due to the perspectives of those left behind and societal views, it's hard to say it's right. I hope this topic sparks conversations among people."

Director Park Joon-woo explained, "Can the right to decide one's death truly be respected? While extreme, situations like a parent asking for euthanasia for their suffering child do exist. Our drama includes such settings, focusing on family relationships and how characters respond to others' pain."

He added, "Given the country's censorship standards, addressing topics like assisted dying or assisted suicide isn't easy. There's a regulation against promoting suicide, which is why MBC decided on a 19+ rating for authentic expression."

Regarding casting, Director Park said, "These are incredibly talented actors. Rather than me choosing them, I feel like I was chosen. Despite receiving many offers, they chose this project because they deeply resonated with the script. I believe it was possible because they are actors who have seriously contemplated family death or the end of life."

'Mary Kills People' is set to premiere on August 1st at 10 PM.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr