The drama Mary Kills People is facing a tough battle, failing to meet expectations despite its bold storyline and star-studded cast. Tackling the controversial subject of assisted dying, the series drew attention for its daring narrative and thought-provoking premise, but the ratings tell a different story. Even with the reliable presence of actress Lee Bo-young, the drama’s scattered direction and tonal imbalance have hindered its growth.
Premiering on August 1, MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama Mary Kills People (written by Lee Soo-ah, directed by Park Joon-woo) is a suspense drama based on the Canadian original of the same name. It follows a doctor who helps terminally ill patients with assisted death and a detective determined to track her down. The series is planned for 12 episodes, with five already aired.
Anticipation was high before its debut. Director Park Joon-woo, acclaimed for his unique vision in works like Taxi Driver and Crash, teamed up with Lee Bo-young, one of Korea’s most respected actresses. Coupled with the rarely explored theme of assisted dying in Korean television, expectations soared that the show would spark both social debate and public intrigue.
However, early interest quickly faded, and the drama now struggles in the ratings. Its debut episode recorded 3.2% (Nielsen Korea, nationwide paid households), the highest so far. By the fifth episode, the figure dropped to 1.9%, barely staying above the 1% mark.
The main issue lies in the execution. While the show attempts to handle a weighty, philosophical subject, the storytelling remains fragmented and shallow. Each episode introduces a patient choosing euthanasia, yet the lack of detailed backstory and emotional depth prevents viewers from connecting. Sudden portrayals of death leave only shock value without the empathy needed to immerse audiences in the characters’ struggles.
For such a theme to resonate, viewers must feel the patients’ desperation and emotional journey toward death. Unfortunately, the current format only grazes the surface, leaving the narrative scattered. The addition of black comedy elements was meant to balance the heavy theme but instead created tonal dissonance. Kang Ki-young’s character, Choi Dae-hyun, exemplifies this mismatch: while his lighthearted demeanor provides brief laughs, it clashes with the gravity of assisted dying, breaking immersion and weakening the intended message.
The drama’s failure to establish a gripping hook in its first two episodes cost it dearly, as many viewers dropped off early. Although episodes from the third onward attempted more nuanced storytelling, it has not been enough to bring the audience back.
Still, Lee Bo-young’s performance shines as the one redeeming factor. As Woo So-jung, the conflicted doctor caught between life and death, she delivers layered emotions through subtle glances, controlled breathing, and restrained dialogue. Even with limited character development, her ability to imbue depth and conviction has won critical praise. Her portrayal of a doctor driven by compassion ensures that the theme does not come across as cold or detached.
Though Mary Kills People continues to falter in ratings, hope remains. With upcoming episodes teasing Woo So-jung’s hidden past, there is potential for more gripping developments. If the production can strike a better balance between tone and emotional immersion, the drama may still recover. For now, Lee Bo-young’s commanding presence stands as the strongest pillar holding the series together.
The show airs every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. on MBC.
Sources: Daum
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