Lee Bo-young stars in the Korean drama Mary Kills People, a show about a doctor who secretly helps terminally ill patients end their suffering. The series has gained attention for its intense story and strong performances. Episodes 8 and 9 are set to air on August 29 and August 30, 2025. New episodes are broadcast on MBC TV at 10 pm KST every Friday and Saturday. This drama is a remake of a Canadian series with the same name from 2017.
The story follows emergency doctor Woo So-jeong, played by Lee Bo-young. She leads a double life, performing euthanasia for patients in great pain. Lee Min-ki appears as Jo Hyun-woo, a patient with a brain tumor. Kang Ki-young plays a doctor who assists So-jeong. Their actions draw the attention of a detective, creating a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
What Happened in Episodes 6 and 7
In episode 6, So-jeong was arrested after helping a cancer patient die. Detective Ban Ji-yoon handcuffed her at the scene. The police questioned her about her mother’s death, which was a suicide. They also looked into a case from two years ago. A mother had ended her daughter’s life after the hospital refused to help. Another patient took his own life with a surgical tool. Under pressure from a powerful businessman, Go Gwang-cheol, the police commissioner released So-jeong due to lack of evidence.
Episode 7 featured a confession from Dae-hyeon. He told his lawyer that he ended his former girlfriend’s life two years ago because of her terminal cancer. So-jeong was present and helped with the drug dosage. This was their first euthanasia case together. Meanwhile, nurse Choi Ye-na’s brother, who has lung fibrosis, asked So-jeong for her assistance. After a painful decision, Ye-na agreed to his wish. The episode ended with her formally asking So-jeong to help her brother die.
What to Expect in Episodes 8 and 9
The preview for episodes 8 and 9 suggests rising tension. So-jeong and Dae-hyeon will find themselves trapped in the schemes of Go Gwang-cheol. The situation around Choi Ye-na’s brother’s euthanasia request will become more intense as their father gets involved. Viewers can expect the brother to hold a musical performance with his sister before his death. Meanwhile, Detective Ban Ji-yoon continues to investigate So-jeong, getting closer to the truth.
The story will explore more dangerous power plays and moral conflicts. The relationship between So-jeong and Dae-hyeon may be tested as they face growing external threats. The show continues to ask difficult questions about life, death, and who has the right to choose.
Background and Production of the Drama
Mary Kills People is based on the Canadian television series created by Tara Armstrong. The Korean version is written by Lee Soo-ya and directed by Park Joon-woo. Park is known for his work on dramas like Taxi Driver and Crash. The production companies involved are Mr. Romance Co., Moving Pictures Co, and Studio ANSEILLEN.
The show began airing in South Korea on August 1, 2025. It is part of MBC’s lineup for the year. The cast includes well-known actors like Kim Tae-woo, who plays the police commissioner, and Seo Young-hee, who plays a lawyer. The drama has started with moderate viewership ratings, but its controversial subject keeps audiences engaged.
“Death gives life meaning. Life is precious because of it.” This quote from the original Canadian series reflects the central theme of the show.
The Original Canadian Series
The Korean drama is a remake of the Canadian series Mary Kills People, which ran for three seasons from 2017 to 2019. It starred Caroline Dhavernas as Dr. Mary Harris, an emergency doctor who also helped patients die. The show was praised for its handling of a difficult topic. It explored the moral and legal problems of assisted suicide.
The original series was produced by Entertainment One and Cameron Pictures. It also featured Jay Ryan as a detective who investigates Mary. The show was noted for its deep conversations about death and purpose.
“I wrote this because I think that itโs important to talk about the topic and not just ignore it,” said Tara Armstrong, creator of the original series. “What we really wanted to do was normalize death and the dying process and present a different kind of death than what we normally see on TV.”
Audience Reaction and Cultural Impact
The Korean adaptation has sparked discussion about euthanasia and patient rights. The show presents both sides of the argument, allowing viewers to form their own opinions. It does not promote assisted suicide but instead shows its complexity. The characters are often faced with impossible choices, making the story emotionally powerful.
Lee Bo-young’s performance has been particularly noted. She brings depth to a character who is both compassionate and rule-breaking. The supporting cast also adds layers to the narrative, showing how euthanasia affects families, friends, and the wider community.
Mary Kills People is more than a medical drama. It is a show about morality, power, and the human condition. As the story continues, audiences can expect more twists and tough questions. Episodes 8 and 9 will air this weekend on MBC.
