MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Mary Kills People' unveiled the overwhelming energy of a powerful cast during its 'first script reading' session.
Premiering on Aug. 1 (Friday) at 10 p.m., MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Mary Kills People' (planned by Kwon Sung-chang, directed by Park Jun-woo, written by Lee Su-a, produced by Mister Romance, Moving Pictures Company, Studio Anja Island) is a suspense drama that tells the story of a doctor who assists terminally ill patients in dying and a detective who tracks them.
'Mary Kills People' is generating anticipation with the collaboration of director Park Jun-woo, known for vividly expressing explosive action in 'Taxi Driver' and 'Crash,' and writer Lee Su-a, who perfected intense character portrayals in the film 'The Law of Pleasure,' 'My Special Brother,' and the drama 'Unemployment Benefits Romance.' The drama features accomplished actors like Lee Bo-young, Lee Min-ki, Kang Ki-young, Baek Hyun-jin, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim Tae-woo, Seo Young-hee, Tae Hang-ho, Yoo Seung-mok, and Sim So-young, who are all proven veterans, promising the birth of a different caliber suspense drama.
In this context, the 'first script reading' scene in 'Mary Kills People,' where the actors' impressive acting skills enhanced the immersion, has attracted considerable attention. Director Park Jun-woo demonstrated his passion for a high-quality production by discussing even the smallest details with the actors. Particularly, the veteran actors noted for their exceptional acting skills, including Lee Bo-young, Lee Min-ki, Kang Ki-young, Baek Hyun-jin, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim Tae-woo, Seo Young-hee, Tae Hang-ho, Yoon Ga-i, Yoo Seung-mok, Sim So-young, Kim Sang-ji, and Kang Na-eun, together with energetic newcomers, built a solid teamwork despite this being their first collaboration, heightening expectations for a 'delicious acting masterpiece.'
Firstly, Lee Bo-young captivated attention with her transformation into the role of Woo So-jung, an emergency medicine doctor who helps patients in assisted dying, showcasing a performance that is 180 degrees different from her previous characters in tone of voice, demeanor, and gaze. Lee Bo-young brilliantly depicted the human side of the character, who struggles internally and is shaken while helping hopeless patients with strong conviction.
Lee Min-ki shone with a remarkable presence as Cho Hyun-woo, a terminal cancer patient for whom no treatment is effective. He drew praise for his nuanced portrayal of the dilemma between life and death, displaying the character's struggles with a calm and composed tone while delivering a perfect balance of intensity and emotion.
Kang Ki-young heightened dramatic immersion by portraying Choi Dae-hyeon, a former plastic surgeon stripped of his license, who assists patients in dying alongside his longtime friend Woo So-jung. Kang Ki-young evoked laughter with his vibrant acting tones that effortlessly shifted between warmth and seriousness, while also serving as a mood lifter that balanced the tension of the drama.
Additionally, actors with distinct acting styles and solid skills, including Baek Hyun-jin, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim Tae-woo, and Seo Young-hee, enhanced the narrative through their fantastic acting chemistry. Baek Hyun-jin played the mysterious businessman Gu Kwang-cheol, who hides secrets meticulously; Kwon Hae-hyo took on the role of Yang Shin-bu, a hospital director with exceptional character; Kim Tae-woo portrayed Police Chief Ahn Tae-seong; and Seo Young-hee played Ryu I-soo, a capable attorney and neighbor of Woo So-jung, adding depth to 'Mary Kills People.' Nurses Yoon Ga-i in the role of Choi Ye-na and Yoo Seung-mok as Byeok Ji-won, Head Nurse Sim So-young, Woo So-jung's niece Jae-yeon played by Kim Sang-ji, and her friend Woo-mi portrayed by Kang Na-eun, brought each character's charm to life with their realistic performances.
In a weighty and serious atmosphere, bursts of laughter and moments of poignant sadness and emotion showcased the passionate synergy of the actors, raising expectations for the premiere of 'Mary Kills People.'
The production team noted, "All the actors filled the space with a solid acting ensemble perfectly aligned during the script reading marking the first step of 'Mary Kills People.' We ask for much anticipation for 'Mary Kills People,' which will present deep perspectives on life and death that are socially difficult to address, surpassing mere suspense."
Meanwhile, MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Mary Kills People' will premiere on Aug. 1 (Friday) at 10 p.m.
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