Underrated drama that highlights a societal issue
This has to be one of the most underrated kdramas. Most drama viewers would lean on cringe, no substance, overhyped dramas over something that has a meaningful storyline and gives attention to people that are truly suffering. Every new character in every episode had valid experiences and when they wanted to let go, this drama made sure that they would let go of someone peacefully. It covers a controversial topic which may not be agreeable to everyone. The story and acting was well presented.Was this review helpful to you?
nothing out of ordinary
It seems to me that much of the criticism toward this drama comes from religious beliefs. Since I was already familiar with the discourse of euthanasia before watching this drama, I knew exactly what I was stepping into. For me, the main issue in this drama is the pacing. I haven’t seen the original series, so I can’t compare, but here some scenes drag on much longer than necessary. Although, some of these were to build emotional attachment to side characters, but it isn't nearly as impactful as it was in Move To Heaven. Thankfully, the strong casting kept me engaged. Without it, I probably would’ve dropped it.Was this review helpful to you?
Deserved So Much More Attention Than It Got
Mary Kills People to me stands out significantly in the K-drama landscape for its courageous handling of a controversial and illegal theme: physician-assisted euthanasia. I think the show successfully anchored a complex ethical debate within a fast-paced medical thriller, making it a compelling, albeit heavy, viewing experience at times. The drama centers on Woo So-jung (Lee Bo-young), a competent emergency room physician who secretly operates a clandestine practice, providing lethal medication to terminally ill patients suffering from unbearable pain. Her mission, driven by a conviction to offer dignity in death, is supported by Choi Dae-hyun (Kang Ki-young), a former doctor. While financial considerations are a minor subplot, the narrative consistently emphasizes So-jung's primary motivation as the alleviation of suffering and the patient's right to autonomy.I think what makes this drama intriguing is that it's built upon a multi-layered conflict, successfully blending philosophical and genre elements. Firstly, there is the ethical drama that is Woo So-jung’s Mission. The show dedicates significant screen time to the personal stories of individual patients. These cases serve as the emotional anchors of the drama; they continually forced me to grapple with the core question: Is So-jung's action an act of murder or one of compassion and salvation? Secondly, there is the investigative part, where the plot escalates when Detective Ban Ji-hoon (Lee Min-ki) is assigned to a missing person’s case that leads him to suspect So-jung. The initial cat-and-mouse dynamic takes a profound, personal turn as Ji-hoon is revealed to be a terminal brain tumor patient. This development brilliantly blurs the lines between the hunter and the hunted, transforming the legal pursuit into a moral and existential crisis. Thirdly, there is the crime and conspiracy aspect, which extends beyond the ethical dilemma; the plot introduces darker elements that tie So-jung's practice to the criminal underworld. This includes a ruthless businessman and drug supplier, Goo Kwang-cheol (Baek Hyun-jin), and elements of corruption within the police force, complicating So-jung's life and her access to necessary drugs.
Character Analysis and Performance: The emotional weight and complexity of Mary Kills People rest entirely on the nuanced performances of its central cast. Woo So-jung (Lee Bo-young) is the drama's ethical core. Masterfully portrayed by Lee Bo-young, the character effectively conveys the complex inner conflict of a dedicated physician torn between her duty to save lives and her deep conviction in the right to die. Her performance is characterized by a restrained intensity that anchors the complex subject matter. Ban Ji-hoon (Lee Min-ki) provides the opposing force and the show's most potent dynamic. Lee Min-ki brings compelling depth to the role of the detective/terminal patient. His dual existence transforms the legal pursuit into a moral and existential crisis, allowing the actor to convey a powerful internal struggle as professional duty clashes with his own imminent fate. Choi Dae-hyun (Kang Ki-young) acts as So-jung's warm and vital ally. Kang Ki-young's performance provides a crucial balance of warmth and humanity, acting as the grounded, sympathetic voice of the movement. His character supports the philosophical argument that assisted death can be a final act of love and care. Goo Kwang-cheol (Baek Hyun-jin) functions as the primary antagonist. Baek Hyun-jin’s portrayal is key to establishing him as a menacing, unpredictable, and volatile presence. As the ruthless drug supplier and businessman, he introduces intense criminal danger to So-jung's operation, moving the narrative beyond ethical dilemma into a high-stakes thriller.
As with any work of fiction translated to the screen, there are strengths and weaknesses. The strengths of this show lie in its bold thematic exploration, making it significant for being the first of its kind in South Korea to address the controversial topic of euthanasia directly. It successfully initiates a necessary dialogue on human dignity, suffering, and autonomy in the context of death, focusing on the ethical quandaries faced by medical teams. Then there are the stellar performances of the leads and supporting cast. The central cast received high praise for their complex and nuanced characterizations, particularly Lee Bo-young and Lee Min-ki, whose performances elevate the heavy material. The drama also artfully merges a character-driven medical drama (centered on patient anguish) with a suspenseful crime thriller (featuring police pursuits and criminal conspiracy), creating a consistently tense narrative. Last but not least, the individual patient narratives are the emotional linchpin, effectively illustrating genuine suffering and resonating deeply with viewers.
The weakness for me was mainly in the show’s pacing, with subplots occasionally feeling underdeveloped or prolonged. At times, the narrative focus shifted too heavily toward conventional crime and conspiracy tropes, arguably diminishing the unique strength of the central ethical debate. Then there was the styling of Dr. Woo So-jung's appearance, specifically the hair, which was noted by some viewers as a minor detractor. While likely intended to convey a doctor too consumed by work to prioritize self-care, the execution did not always meet my standards. The intentionally vague ending, while serving to spark continued philosophical debate, frustrated me. I was looking for a clear narrative resolution regarding the fates of the main characters and the conclusion of So-jung's practice.
The drama's core issue, which is also its strength as far as I am concerned, is the ethical complexity surrounding voluntary choice. The narrative does not fully resolve the risk of coercion (whether from family or the medical system) that can influence a patient’s request, leaving the audience with a crucial, unanswered question: how absolute voluntariness can be ensured. All in all, Mary Kills People is a worthwhile and compelling watch for mature audiences who appreciate dramas that tackle complex, morally ambiguous subjects. Its strength lies in its profound questions, sophisticated genre blending, and the superb, challenging performances of its lead cast.
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Euthanasia
South Korea does not have a law that allows euthanasia or assisted suicide in a legal and robust manner.In fact, in South Korea, euthanasia and assisted suicide are crimes, defined in Article 252 of the Penal Code. The only permitted practice is the refusal of end-of-life treatment, but never the active act of causing death.
There are ongoing debates, pending bills, and growing public pressure for the possibility of "death with dignity"—surveys suggest that many South Koreans would support some form of legal euthanasia or assisted suicide.
There have even been bills proposed by parliamentarians to legalize some form of assisted death for terminally ill patients, but so far these bills have not been approved and have not repealed the provisions of the Penal Code.
Despite being very advanced technologically and economically, Korea is still a very conservative and backward country in social and customary matters.
Congratulations to the courage of all who made and accepted to participate in the realization of this magnificent drama, apparently so underestimated and misunderstood!
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⭐Where's the Thrill When the Cards Are Already on the Table⭐
What kind of crime-investigation thriller is this where, in the very first episode, every single card is laid bare? Villains and heroes are all unmasked, motives are out in the open, and the so-called mystery is already untangled. What’s left to explore in the coming episodes?
There’s supposed to be an intrigue, a build-up the tension of not knowing things, the thrill of chasing shadows and unraveling secrets piece by piece. But here, the entire plot feels like it’s been spoiled in one go.
And please don’t tell me the rest of the episodes will just be a flashback of how they reached the already-revealed criminal. That’s not suspense that’s just spoon-feeding after giving away the climax.
When there’s no mystery left, how do you expect the audience to stay hooked?
Now I understand why its rating is low. The concept is good, but they didn’t handle it well. The audience should’ve only known who will be caught and who will catch them the process of how it all unfolds is what makes it interesting. Like a cat-and-mouse chase, as in Catch Me If You Can. But here, they ruined all the thrill everyone knows everything from the start.
Rating: 0
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[ EP2 ]
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⭐Pointless Drama⭐
She looks like his mother, and the romantic angle makes no sense. That kiss felt completely unnecessary and out of place.There was no real emotion between them it was as if they were performing under pressure, not out of genuine feeling.I forgot to mention this in my earlier episode review things felt unnecessarily dragged out, as if it was done just to fill the runtime. The whole episodes could have easily been wrapped up in 30 to 35 minutes.
Rating: 0
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I don’t find it interesting, I’ll drop it.
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⚖️? Mary Kills People — Mercy or Murder? You Decide.
Okay, so imagine this: our lead is literally killing people… but not out of malice. She truly believes she’s easing the pain of the terminally ill. She starts out thinking she’s doing the right thing, only to find herself walking a path she never expected.This isn’t a lighthearted watch. The acting is solid, the tone is serious, and while heartbreaks are there, the drama doesn’t lean on music or flashy emotions. Instead, it leaves you with a question that lingers long after the credits roll:
💭 If you knew your days were numbered, would you ask someone to speed up the process? Or would you spend those days chasing the dreams you once postponed—because life got in the way?
It’s thought-provoking, morally complex, and quietly heartbreaking. Don’t expect laughs, but do expect a story that will stay with you.
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When Suicide Becomes a Final Wish
The Canadian TV series "Mary Kills People" (2017-2019) only received a 7.5 rating on IMDb. Could that be the reason the Korean drama "Mary Kills People" is underappreciated?This is evident in the Mydramalist rating, which was only 7.4/10 since its initial broadcast, and remained unchanged until episode 9. South Korean viewers actually "punished" it with low ratings. Starting with ratings of 3.2% (nationwide) and 3.4% (Seoul), it plummeted in episode 9 to 1.4% (nationwide), and it didn't make it into the top 10 shows chosen by Seoul viewers.
Isn't that sad? Why?
It lacked excitement! Actually, an interesting and terrifying plot was presented at the beginning of the episode. A doctor "killed" his patient. However, when it turned out the patient didn't die after drinking poison, FL's assistant smothered him with a pillow.
After that, the scriptwriters invited the audience to understand FL's decision to euthanize several of her patients.
The characters of each actor are also beginning to be developed, as are the reasons for each role's involvement in the euthanasia practice. Unfortunately, the foundation is weak. Like a puzzle, it resembles a human being who hasn't fully formed yet. Some organs, like some of the fingers, ears, and other parts, are still missing.
FL's character becomes annoying when, in episode 9, the assistant asks to stop their activities, but FL insists!
It's beyond reason to think that her reason is pity for the patient's suffering. She has two teenage children to care for, and their futures must be considered. And then... she knows the police are watching! FL even nearly gets caught while performing euthanasia.
Perhaps the screenwriter's intention was to give the audience a roller coaster ride.
Unfortunately, her efforts are not optimal. The storyline about a criminal doctor (judging by South Korean law) who faces numerous conflicts, including family, professional, and police threats, becomes overwhelmed.
Read the rest of the review at: https://www.maria-g-soemitro.com/2025/09/mary-kills-people-bunuh-diri-keinginan-terakhir.html
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delicado mas profundo
Apesar da temática, o kdrama trata toda a ideia com muita sutileza e cuidado. envolver o suspense policial tb foi um acerto pq ele traz uma certa tensão enqto a polícia está a procura tanto de quem pratica a assistência qto a quem está traficando o medicamento. confess que em alguns momentos a história ficou um pouco entediante, mas isso passa durante o desenrolar do próprio episódio apresentando ou um plot twist ou uma parte importante da polícia investigando os crimes. Chorei praticamente em toda assistência que a Dra fez pq são cenas muito emocionantes.Was this review helpful to you?
seru dan menantang.
bagus serialnya...................................................................................................................................................................................................................Was this review helpful to you?
