Is there a right to choose survival in the dignity of life? 'Mary Kills People', featuring impressive performances from actors Lee Bo-young, Lee Min-ki, and Kang Ki-young, raises essential questions surrounding humanity.
The recently airing MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'Mary Kills People' (written by Lee Soo-ah, directed by Park Jun-woo) is a suspense drama that tells the story of a doctor who assists terminally ill patients in 'assisted dying' and a detective who tracks them down.
In Korea, where euthanasia and assisted dying are both illegal, 'Mary Kills People' is inherently a provocative work in its basic premise. The drama features the intertwined relationships of Woo So-jung (played by Lee Bo-young), who is driven by her beliefs and sense of mission regarding assisted dying, and Ban Ji-hoon (played by Lee Min-ki), who sees Woo So-jung as a murder suspect, along with Koo Dae-hyun (played by Kang Ki-young), who assists her in conducting assisted dying, skillfully converting moral criticism into suspense.
In particular, it has established itself as a meaningful work that directly addresses the sensitive subject of assisted dying, prompting viewers to consider timely questions of our era. In this context, the producers revealed three key points that have earned 'Mary Kills People' praise as a well-made work that resonates deeply.
#1. Weight of addressing the heavy subject of assisted dying directly
'Mary Kills People' raises an important question about the 'right to choose one's own death' through patients wishing for assisted dying and Woo So-jung who helps them. The heartfelt stories of terminal cancer patients in unbearable pain serve as a reminder for humanity to deeply reflect once again on the moment they will ultimately face. As Koo Dae-hyun notes, 'Though it is illegal now, in time it may become a matter of choice and that could be a human right,' the drama recalls the realistic questions society must confront regarding human dignity and freedom, while delicately and weightily depicting the struggles of patients and their families, evoking empathy.
#2. Raising fundamental philosophical questions about life and death
'Mary Kills People' presents essential and philosophical questions about life and death, prompting reflection on human existence and the value of life. Woo So-jung's confession, 'If the only treatment I can offer a patient left with nothing but pain is death, then I want to provide that treatment,' reveals her perspective, which starkly contrasts with Ban Ji-hoon's statement, 'What you are doing is murder,' making viewers ponder their values. The drama provides a precious opportunity to address the fundamental question of 'What is a true life?' and navigates the complex dilemma between individual will and social ethics.
#3. A fresh drama that dramatically combines suspense genre charm with social discourse
'Mary Kills People' vividly portrays the heavy and weighty themes throughout the drama through the charm of the suspense genre. The intense conflicts and fiery confrontations between Woo So-jung and Koo Dae-hyun, who assist in assisted dying, and detective Ban Ji-hoon, who pursues them, create a tightly woven narrative that maximizes immersion. By blending the unique subject of assisted dying with intense tension, along with the outstanding performances of Lee Bo-young, Lee Min-ki, and Kang Ki-young, it has been evaluated as a fresh drama that dramatically elevates social discourse.
The production team expressed, "'Mary Kills People' carries profound significance simply by addressing the social question of death as a choice and the fundamental philosophical questions about life and death directly," adding, "I hope this is an opportunity for viewers to think about death, something everyone will eventually confront, not just because it is a sensational theme, but also about life."
[Photo] Provided by MBC.
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