2010’s Rewind|Dramas from 2010
Hello loves! Your girl, Minty, is back at it again!~ The 2010’s are coming to and end. Can you believe it?! A decade went by so fast! 10 years ago, I basically just entered university. Which is crazy, since it feels like it wasn’t that long ago… Thanks to that though, I was able to have alot of experiences to grow from. Not only that, I was able to meet some wonderful friends. I’m talkin’ about our BAYOG bros Nick and Marc! Through them, I was able to meet Kenny and Loha…and here we are!
Anyways, Kenny brought up a cool thing we should talk about. Since a decade is ending, the bros were thinking about discussing some of their favorite anime series over the past decade. So I figured I should try to do the same with real people stuffs!~ So I’ll be having a few posts to talk about some dramas from the past decade! Originally, we talked about highlighting our top favorite series for that year. However, I’m indecisive AF. I have multiple favorites too, and sometimes it depends on my mood. Now, we all know I’ve watched waaayyy too many series since I was a kid. Also, I know there may have been some really big dramas. However, I was very specific in the type of shows I watched. So I’m not gonna mention the big ones that I didn’t watch. I’m basically just gonna talk about the series that I did watch, found memorable, and just remember in general. 10 years is a long time fam… That means my favorite dramas, or they had some sort of impact on me. So let’s start off with Asian dramas from 2010!~
スペック |Keizoku 2: SPEC (JP)
Synopsis (credit: Cephus’ Corner)
Strange things are afoot at the Unsolved Cases division as Toma Saya, a woman with a 201 IQ and no social skills and her partner, Sebumi Takeru, a skilled detective who was demoted the the Unsolved Cases division following a strange death under his command, try to solve a massive conspiracy carried out by SPECs, people with seemingly supernatural powers given because they can use 100% of their brains.
This is probably like my favorite Japanese series, and in my top 10 drama series ever. First off, I really love mystery and crime series. We also know that I love supernatural stuff. My favorite series usually tend to be on the quirky side too. Which is exactly why this series is one of my top favorites! SPEC is actually a sequel to the 1999 ケイゾク /Keizoku, or “Unsolved Cases”, series. The best way I can describe this series is a mix of a goofy version of The X-Men, supernatural, and police drama. It’s a crime/police drama series, but it’s just so goofy and quirky. I love the chemistry and drastic difference from the stoic Sebumi (Kase Ryo) and socially awkward Toma (Toda Erika). I will admit that it can be a bit of a confusing series because there’s alot to it.
Like I said, it’s a sequel to the Keizoku series, Keizoku: Phantom special, and Keizoku movie. I didn’t watch those, but I did watch almost everything else. Other than the 2010 SPEC ~ Keishichou (Birth) drama, 2012 SPEC ~ Shou (Life) drama special, the 2012 SPEC ~ Ten (Heaven) movie, 2013 SPEC ~ Rei (Zero) drama special, 2013 SPEC～Ketsu～Zen no hen (Close~ Incarnation) movie, 2013 SPEC～Ketsu～Kou no hen (Close~ Reincarnation) movie, and finally 2018 Sick’s SPEC Saga. Sick’s SPEC Saga is supposed to be the a sequel/spin-off(?). That’s probably the only other one I haven’t watched since I can’t find a subbed version… *SAD* Also, there was confirmed news that this would be remade into a US TV drama. It was supposed to be produced by Heroes‘ Masi Oka. However, it was most likely scrapped because that news came out in 2012.
Still, it’s an interesting series. I also just enjoyed seeing the gags and cameos too. The OST was interesting too. It’s basically the same song for each version of Keizoku: SPEC. It’s just a different version made specifically for the series, special, or movie. It’s still pretty nice though. The song is by Japanese-American band, The Rice Cookers.
うぬぼれ刑事|The Conceited Detective/Detective Lovesick (JP)
Synopsis (credit: d-addicts)
A 30-year-old single detective (Nagase Tomoya), who is under the illusion that he is popular with females is called ‘Unubore’ by friends. He is an ultra romantic and susceptible to conceitedness. He has such a strong desire to marry to the extent that he has bought an apartment for his newlywed life. He falls in love with female criminals at first sight each time. While the sheer desire to meet wraps around him, he will get proof that the female is the culprit. And so, he will thrust both the arrest warrant and marriage papers at her, proposing with the words, “If you marry me, I won’t arrest you.” If that still does not work, he will hold out an engagement ring and his handcuffs. In the end, the criminal will choose to be arrested and his heart will be broken. He will cry as he puts the handcuffs on her…
This was another detective/comedy series. I vaguely remember this one. It starred Nagase Tomoya as the main character. He was hilarious. He was also in My Boss, My Hero. It also starred Ikuta Toma, whom I loved in the 2007 version of Hana Kimi. It also starred singer and actress, Mika Nakashima. I loved her songs, and I remembered that she starred in the live adaptation of Nana. She also contributed the insert song for the drama, 一番綺麗な私を. “The Most Beautiful Me” was a really pretty song, and I remembered replaying it alot because of the drama.
Honestly, it’s been so long since this show. I don’t remember much of it. However, I do remember it being freaking hilarious. Like I don’t remember the context, but I’m still like, “WTF LOLOL”. I’m pretty sure that show was on freakin’ crack. [WTF] for reals though. Although I don’t remember the details all too well, I do remember the characters were really enjoyable and funny. It was just a really fun and enjoyable show to watch. I’m pretty sure I can guarantee laughs.
제빵왕 김탁구|Baker King Kim Tak Gu/Bread, Love, and Dreams (KR)
Synopsis (credit: d-addicts)
Kim Tak Goo is the eldest son of Goo Il Joong, the president of Samhwa Enterprise, a legend in the baking industry. Although he is an extremely talented baker and seemed destined to succeed his father as president, Goo Il Joong’s family plotted to rob him of his inheritance because he was born to Il Joong’s mistress. Tak Goo’s determination to become number one in the baking industry drives him to rebuild his career from scratch despite the many trials he faces.
I like barely remember this one. To be honest, this series wasn’t really the typical kind of series I would watch. It was like a family, drama, and romance series. It was also on the longer side with 30 episodes. However, I gave it a shot because Eugene was in it. I told you, I started with old school K-Pop. I was a fan of S.E.S. and Eugene’s solo stuff. I also loved some of her other acting projects. I also stuck around because Yoon Si Yoon, who was basically still pretty new, looked cute. Another reason I stuck around was because Joo Won reminded me of TOP from Big Bang. Also, I love food so that was another reason I stuck around. Not gonna lie. This wasn’t my favorite series. My recollection is vague, but I do remember liking Tak Gu. I enjoyed seeing his determination and growth. I also remember being pissed off about alot of other aspects of the show though. I really appreciated Yoon Si Yoon’s acting. Also, the show made me hella hungry. I remember I would be watching dramas at like 2-3am. Seeing him make bread, made me want Asian pastries. I think there was a point I went to the local Asian grocery store and stocked up on a ton of them.
Despite not being totally fond of the drama, it does hold a dear place in my heart. This show was one of the reasons I started talking to some girls I met that semester in college. We met in the Filipino Student Association. It turned out they liked Asian dramas and K-Pop, and we’d fan-girl. There was one girl in particular though. She got so excited when she found out I was watching this drama. She was super sweet and cute. Her face just lit up. Especially because she absolutely adored Yoon Si Yoon. That girl had just transferred there, so this drama helped us connect with each other. The funny thing is she later asked to be my roommate. We still didn’t know each other too well, but we immediately hit it off when we became roommates. That girl became my best friend. We’re still best friends to this day. We’d even watch dramas together, including Flower Boys Next Door. That also starred Yoon Si Yoon~ So yeah, I may have been annoyed with the drama. Still, I’m grateful it was the conversation starter that allowed me to meet my best friend.
신데렐라 언니|Cinderella’s Sister/Cinderella’s Stepsister (KR)
Synopsis (credit: d-addicts)
A modern day adaptation of Cinderella with a twist as our Cinderella, Goo Hyo Sun, is loved by everyone whereas her stepsister, Eun Jo, has a dark past and struggles with the fact that her mother starts to care more for Hyo Sun than her.
Oh! This drama was also another drama that wasn’t exactly my favorite. I remember being super frustrated. Particularly frustrated by Eun Jo’s mom, and moreso by Hyo Sun. I remember only watching this because of Moon Geun Young; I’m also an old school K-movie fan since like 2001-2002. The main reason was also because of Ock Taecyeon from 2PM. Again, I was second generation era K-Pop fangirl. The other reason was because Yesung from Super Junior was contributing to the OST. I remember that song hella positively. It was a beautiful song. I think what also sparked interest was that I wanted to see how this would be a twist on Cinderella. I thought it was cool that they were focusing on the step-sister and her side. I liked Eun Jo and I really felt for her. Like I guess it’s good in that I invested alot of sympathy for Eun Jo and her step-dad, and annoyance and hate towards Hyo Sun and Eun Jo’s mom. Also, I remember liking Taecyeon’s character. Second lead syndrome, bruh. I seriously couldn’t like Hyo Sun though. I remember being like, “She might be Cinderella…but she’s such a mean and dumb bitch…Fuck her!”
I don’t even know why I remember this drama so well. Like…I didn’t think it was amazing at all. Well…it had an interesting premise. I just wasn’t really happy with the entire execution and direction of the story. Weirdly, I have a very specific flashback of watching this series during finals. I remember watching episodes of this and bitching about it in the library… Ya know, instead of actually doing my papers and studying.
시크릿 가든|Secret Garden (KR)
The drama tells the story of Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin), an arrogant and eccentric CEO who maintains the image of seeming perfection, and Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won), a poor and humble stuntwoman whose beauty and body are the object of envy amongst top actresses. Their accidental meeting, when Joo Won mistakes Ra Im for actress Park Chae Rin, marks the beginning of a tense, bickering relationship, through which Joo Won tries to hide a growing attraction to Ra Im that both confuses and disturbs him. To complicate matters further, a strange sequence of events results in them swapping bodies.
This drama was a huge hit. I remember it’s probably one of the most famous and talked about K-dramas of all time. Weirdly though…It wasn’t one of my favorites either lolol. I watched it because of Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin. I remembered Ha Ji Won from some old hit K-movies. I think my favorite at the time was 100 Days With Mr. Arrogant. Hyun Bin is an A-lister. He was well known and popular. It was also a high-production drama at the time. It had it’s funny moments too. However, it just wasn’t really the type of story for me is all. I really just stuck around cuz I liked the actors. I also enjoyed the OST. It had some great artists like Baek Ji Young, Shin Yong Jae of 4MEN, Kim Bum Soo, and Sung Si Kyung.
It may not have been in my top list, but I recognize it’s impact on Korean and Asian pop culture. Also, it’ll always be memorable because I know how much my friends loved it. I remember we’d watch it together in the commons area during finals week. Yes, we were binge watching and discussing instead of studying. We Asian. We did fine. I used to do this shit on 30 minutes of sleep~ We were okay, fam. Anyways, it’s because of that, that this drama is on my list of memorable dramas for 2010. Also, I just really love the Big Bang parody. It’s hilarious, and I still remember it to this day.
ジョーカー 許されざる捜査官 |Joker: An Unforgiveable Investigator (JP)
Date Kazuyoshi (Sakai) is a detective on the Kanagawa prefectural police force. During the day, he is known as a “Buddha” for his gentle personality, pouring all of his energy into resolving each case. At night, however, he transforms into a cruel punisher as his gentleness gives way to his anger towards the criminals. The series poses questions about what justice and evil truly are.
I don’t remember the series too well, to be honest. However, I do remember enjoying it and being on the edge of my seat. It’s a thriller, mystery, and cop kind of drama. I think something that really caught my attention was the opening statement/warning in the drama.
This drama is fictional. All resemblaces to actual people, places or events are purely coincidental. But…you may choose to take this as purely a made-up story or try to graph an understanding of the darkness these days.
ジョーカー 許されざる捜査官
Y’all know I love a good human story. I liked stories like Ghost Teller, Odd Girl Out, Cheese in the Trap (ehh…some aspects debatable), etc. I like looking into the state of people and society, their thoughts, and what leads them to doing what they do. Also, like I said, I’ve always been a fan of mystery and detective series too. So that’s how I was basically pulled towards this series. Also, Nishikido Ryo from NEWS was in it too. Overall, it was just a very interesting premise. It’s interesting to see the main character be seen as a completely harmless and unsuspecting kind of person. Also, y’all. Can you imagine my surprise to see fucking Chairman Kaga from Iron Chef in this?? Of course this a drama and everything is dramatized. However, there are some really twisted things in real life. Corruption is a real thing, and there are some sick bastards out there who really go unpunished. There was some sense to reality to the drama in that aspect. The pain and anguish the victims’ loved ones face is another sense of reality. Meanwhile, the bad guys were portrayed as super scummy and remorseful. So yeah, they had what was coming to them.
Also, the theme song “Scar” by RIP SLYME was so catchy. [Full PV Here]. You might recognize Ilmari and Ryo-Z from Teriyaki Boyz. Teriyaki Boyz also included Verbal from m-flo, Wise, and DJ Nigo. Nigo is the founder of A Bathing Ape. Anyways, they’re famous for [“Tokyo Drift“] from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
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