Dramatic Twist in 'Mary Kills People': Lee Min-ki's True Identity Raises Questions

The latest episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Mary Kills People' left viewers in suspense with a surprising twist. Lee Min-ki and Lee Bo-young shared a poignant kiss, only to have Lee Min-ki's character's true identity questioned in a shocking ending. The episode's nationwide viewership rating dropped to 2.1%, a 0.9% decrease from the premiere. The show, which tackles the controversial topic of assisted dying, had already sparked discussions even before its broadcast.

In the episode aired on the 2nd, Jo Hyun-woo (played by Lee Min-ki) shares a kiss with Woo So-jung (played by Lee Bo-young). However, the ending reveals a different face when Detective Bu (played by Tae Hang-ho) calls out to Hyun-woo, leaving viewers intrigued.

Episode 2 delves into the complex emotions between Woo So-jung and Jo Hyun-woo, who is facing assisted death. As their feelings intensify, the episode hints at the turbulent events to come. The episode begins with a flashback to Woo So-jung's college days, where she, along with her classmates Choi Dae-hyun (played by Kang Ki-young) and nurse Choi Ye-na (played by Yoon Ga-i), form a team to assist patients in dying. They discuss the criteria for assisted death: incurable condition confirmed by three or more doctors, unbearable physical disability, and pain that cannot be controlled by any medication.

Returning to the present, Woo So-jung and Choi Dae-hyun meet Jo Soo-young (played by Lee Won-jung), a high school student with terminal stage 4 colon cancer. Soo-young expresses her desperation, saying, "I want to die quickly. It's unfair to suffer even more." Woo So-jung decides to prioritize Soo-young's assisted death over Jo Hyun-woo's.

Later, Woo So-jung encounters Jo Hyun-woo at Father Yang's (played by Kwon Hae-hyo) welfare hospital. Hyun-woo reflects on his life, saying, "I've thought about what I really want to do, and I want to organize my surroundings." Woo So-jung and Hyun-woo share a moment on the stairs, where Hyun-woo questions her motives for helping dying people. Woo So-jung explains her belief that people should have the choice between life and death, asserting that "death is not a crime."

Hyun-woo expresses his wish to spend his final moments at the orphanage where he grew up. He shares his reasons for choosing assisted death, saying, "I've tried everything, but nothing changed. I could give up because I tried everything." This leaves Woo So-jung deeply moved.

Despite her feelings, Woo So-jung secretly explores new clinical trials for Hyun-woo, but he reacts angrily, accusing her of being like other doctors who don't care about patients' suffering. He leaves, and Woo So-jung desperately searches for him, but to no avail.

Back at the welfare hospital, Woo So-jung is threatened by an abusive husband when Hyun-woo appears to save her. After treating Hyun-woo's injured hand, they apologize to each other. Hyun-woo gives Woo So-jung a hairpin, leading her to confess her wish for him to live. Touched by her sincerity, Hyun-woo kisses her, confirming their feelings.

Meanwhile, Detective Bu's appearance at the boarding house where Hyun-woo stayed raises suspicions as he pays Hyun-woo's overdue rent. The episode ends with a shocking twist as a different face appears when Detective Bu calls out to Hyun-woo in a crowded street, leaving viewers questioning Hyun-woo's true identity.

Reported by Tae Yuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr