The Winning Try Hits New Ratings High as Mary Kills People Makes Bold Premiere

On August 1–2, SBS’s sports-themed drama The Winning Try saw its second episode jump to an average nationwide rating of 4.4%—its highest yet—confirming its status as the most-watched Friday/Saturday miniseries in its time slot.
The debut episode had already claimed the top slot with 4.1%, making it the most-watched Friday premiere in its class. These strong numbers, coupled with sports drama momentum, signal rising viewer interest.

Mary Kills People, starring Lee Bo‑young and Lee Min‑ki, premiered August 1 at 10 pm KST on MBC. The medical thriller explores euthanasia and the ethics of assisted dying—subjects rarely seen in Korean primetime dramas. The show immediately generated buzz thanks to a graphic teaser and ethically charged storyline.

Although its premiere ratings are not yet available, pre-air anticipation runs high due to Lee Bo‑young’s role as a compassionate ER doctor performing mercy-kill procedures and Lee Min‑ki’s portrayal of a terminally ill detective determined to uncover her secret. A 19+ rating reinforces its mature target audience.
Source: Soompi, Dramabeans, k‑en‑news 

With Winning Try showing steady growth, it’s clear that a niche sports genre can command ratings success. Meanwhile, Mary Kills People is positioned to break new ground with its daring narrative—even before official viewership figures roll in.

• Success in niche genres like high school rugby shows a shifting audience appetite for fresh storytelling formats.
  
  

• Intense ethical themes in Mary Kills People open dialogue about assisted death in Korean society, enhancing its cultural relevance.
  
  

• Lee Bo‑young’s return to MBC in a heavy, adult-themed role is seen as a powerful career milestone.
  Source: Korea Times, Kpopmap, Dramabeans
  
  

Early trends indicate that The Winning Try could become a surprise weekend ratings sweetheart, while Mary Kills People may attract attention both domestically and internationally through intense buzzy discussions and star-driven hype.