You know that feeling when you've only just said “hello” and it's already time to wave goodbye? Just when things are at their best, time flies by especially fast, and before you know it another year has passed. Yes, 2021 is almost over!
We can't believe how quickly the months have flown by, months in which we packed countless parcels, gained new customers and celebrated K-Pop comebacks together with you!
Do you still remember which albums were released over the course of the year? Maybe one of them even made it into your collection?
Let's take a look back together and reminisce:
January 2021 got off to a great start, as both Dreamcatcher and Treasure wrapped up a multi-part album series at the beginning of the year. Dreamcatcher's “Dystopia: Road to Utopia” was the third album in the “Dystopia” series, and Treasure's “The First Step: Treasure Effect” concluded the 4-part “The First Step” series that began with the debut album in 2020.
In February, SHINee returned two and a half years after “The Story of Light P. 3” with “Don’t Call Me”. After all the time Minho, Onew and Key spent doing their military service, the fans were of course especially happy about it!
In March, the second member of Blackpink finally made her solo debut: Rosé released her first album “R”. In April, another solo debut followed, as Red Velvet's Wendy delighted fans with her first album “Like Water”.
In May, there was a special highlight for many K-Pop fans, as BTS presented their new single “Butter”. Even after seven months, the song is still a fixture on many playlists! Over the middle of the year, more big names followed: In June, Twice's summer album “Taste of Love” came out, and in July, EXO's D.O. finally released his first solo album after nine years in the music business, “Empathy”!
August had especially many parcels to pack, because so many of you ordered “Noeasy” by Stray Kids!
In the second half of the year, too, our favorite artists kept dropping one hit after another. In September, Lisa's debut album “Lalisa”, “Sticker” by NCT 127 and “Crazy In Love” by ITZY came out. October was no less exciting, because more than two years after her first digital single, Somi finally presented us with her first physical album “XOXO”! In addition, “Dimension: Dilemma” by Enhypen and “Savage” by Aespa were released.
In November, we were able to enjoy, among others, “Blood Moon” by Oneus and “No Limit” by Monsta X.
You surely still remember well everything that came out this month. NCT's "Universe", Ateez “Zero: Fever Epilogue” and an almost endless series of Season's Greetings are only a part of it!
Of course, the albums listed are only a fraction of everything, but we have reminded you of a few of our personal favorites in this look back once more!
Unfortunately, some groups such as IZ*ONE, Gfriend and Lovelyz disbanded this year and thus ended their respective eras, but in return many new groups also stepped into the spotlight in 2021 and won our hearts! These include, for example, Purple Kiss, Lightsum, Kingdom and Ive!
We also got to witness Brave Girls' success story! The girl group was on the verge of disbanding when, because of a viral video, the four-year-old song “Rollin” suddenly stormed all the charts! Countless advertising deals, appearances and the new album “Summer Queen” followed.
Of course, because of the worldwide pandemic, we had to go without a lot of things again this year. To keep us entertained at home, Korea's actors were also hard at work. K-dramas like Vincenzo, True Beauty and Hospital Playlist filled our evenings. Not to forget: Squid Game! Surely a highlight of the year for many, because the series thrilled not only K-drama fans but also international viewers worldwide and set off a true hype.
2021 was a very special year for us at Nolae, too. Thanks to you and all the other customers who placed their trust in us over the past months and ordered from us for the first time or again and again.
We keep working on our shop to make your shopping experience as pleasant and uncomplicated as possible, and we hope that you will keep accompanying us in 2022 as well.
Thank you for your trust.
Your Nolae Team.
