Amid the usual drama expected from the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, the penultimate episode of season 22 of “Grey’s Anatomy” featured a shocking exit for Dr. Benson “Blue” Kwan.
Harry Shum Jr. has now spoken candidly about the fate and future of his character.
Harry Shum Jr. “In The Dark” On Dr. Kwan’s Future
Shum Jr. shared his feelings on his character’s story arc at the Asian American Foundation’s 2026 Heritage Month Awards Dinner.
“I think it’s good to see the doctors when they do make a mistake, but also with good intentions,” he told E! News. “It wasn’t just because he was a bumbling mess.”
“It was very motivated in making sure that someone got to be able to choose life over death,” he explained.
Fans are pleading for the “Crazy Rich Asian” star’s return to the series, leaving comments on his Instagram such as “You better still be a doctor in the next season” and “Please don’t leave! We need you to be back next season. I hope they find a way to hire Kwan back to Grey/Sloane.”
However, Shum Jr. wonders the fate of his character along with the fans.
“I’m just as much in the dark as audiences,” he revealed. “But to me, it’s a hope of: Do audiences want to see him go or do they want to see him go back to the hospital?”
What Led To Dr. Kwan’s Shock Firing?
After administering an experimental, unauthorised treatment of hydrogel to a patient, Dr. Kwan was fired offscreen.
Kwan worked with Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) to treat the patient, and despite her best efforts to cover for Kwan, Chief of Medicine Dr. Richard Weber (James Pickens Jr.) dismissed him.
Although Bailey had initially taken the fall for administering the non-FDA approved treatment, her coverup was ultimately discovered, reported E! News.
“I know it was Kwan,” Weber told her.
“You lied to me. You looked in my face and told me you did it. You’re benched from surgery until further notice.”
When Bailey pleaded with Weber to “go easy” on Kwan, Weber had a blunt response.
“That’s not a problem,” he said. “He’s fired.”
‘Grey’s’ Farewells More Beloved Characters In Season 22
GettyKwan wasn’t the only doctor to leave the medical drama at the end of season 22.
In March, Deadline announced that long-running cast members Kevin McKidd (Dr. Owen Hunt) and Kim Raver (Dr. Teddy Altman) would be leaving the show.
“Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen – two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other,” said show creator Shonda Rhimes.
“It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves.”
However, similarly to Dr. Kwan, the door is open to the couple returning.
“While their story is coming to a close, this is never truly a goodbye,” said executive producer/showrunner Meg Marinis.
“We are endlessly grateful for the years, the artistry and the memories they’ve given to the show and we look forward to cheering them on in whatever comes next.”
