Through resilience and heart, a Bolivian fan builds a space for ITZY—one post at a time.
In the high-altitude city of La Paz, Bolivia, a single fan is leading a quiet but powerful movement. Amber, the founder and sole online operator of Itzy Bolivia, began her journey with ITZY as a simple supporter. What started as small-scale encouragement for a new K-pop girl group soon became a meaningful commitment to building community, spreading positive messages, and standing strong—despite distance, language, and a pandemic.
“I wanted people here to hear ITZY’s message: be yourself, be unique, and be different. That really spoke to me,” Amber shares.
From Street Events to Social Media
Before the pandemic, Itzy Bolivia was an active offline fanclub. Dance covers in public squares, birthday events with other fanclubs, and community celebrations created a space where fans could express their admiration for ITZY together.
“Our biggest event before COVID sold out. People danced solo and in groups. We were even congratulated for how well it was organized. It was scary—but unforgettable.”
When the pandemic hit, in-person activities came to a halt. But the fanclub didn’t disappear—it adapted. Amber transitioned online, now managing TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram on her own. Though she once had a team for offline work, she now curates content solo, updating fans with translated news, video clips, and birthday celebrations.
Daily Challenges of a Global Fan
Running a fanbase for a Korean girl group in Bolivia comes with unique obstacles. Time zones mean updates often happen before sunrise. Language barriers require translation and double-checking. Creating TikTok videos takes hours, especially while respecting copyright rules and avoiding misinformation.
“It takes time. But even if it’s slow, it’s worth it. We want to share real moments—funny interviews, game clips—anything that helps fans feel connected.”
Limited resources also make things harder. As a self-funded group, Amber never asked for money from outsiders. All materials, events, and social media efforts come from her and her team’s dedication.
Why It Matters
While numbers are modest, the passion is anything but. Birthday events remain the highlight of the fanclub’s year—moments when true fans come together to show love, even from afar.
“The people who show up for birthdays give us their full effort and warmth. We’re always grateful.”
Still, gaining recognition is difficult. Girl group fandoms in the region often attract less attention than boy groups. Despite this, Amber continues to push forward, hoping to be seen—not just by other fans, but by ITZY themselves.
“We may not be big, but we are real. And we are here.”
Looking Ahead
Amber dreams of hosting another large-scale offline event—this time even better than before. She’s particularly excited about celebrating the joint birthday of Yeji and Chaeryeong, planning something special with the local community.
Her message to ITZY?
“Don’t give up. Fight for your dreams. But above all, take care of yourselves. I’ll always love and support you, no matter what.”
And to fellow fans:
“Help us grow. Even one like or view keeps us going. Thanks to larger fanbases, we stay informed—especially during hard times. Let’s keep going, together.”
Image credits: Official ITZY sources and Itzy Bolivia on X
Special thanks to: Amber and the Itzy Bolivia team for their dedication and heartfelt answers.
