Netflix’s newest reality show about rich people is Bling Empire and it's a real treat for the eyes. The show invites viewers into a world of unbelievable wealth, by following Los Angeles’ richest Asians and Asian-Americans. Yes, we’ve seen Crazy Rich Asians, Selling Sunset, and Keeping up with the Kardashians, but none of these titles really compare. There’s something about the cast of Bling Empire that’s just different. It might be the fact that some of the show's rich people aren’t just rich… they’re billionaires.
With the exception of one person, each of the cast members is rich beyond almost anyone’s wildest dreams. The ex-husband of one of the cast members was one of the biggest cyber scammers in America. He racked up the cash, but eventually wound up owing the US Government $168 million. The queen of the show is Anna Shay, who is the daughter of the late Edward Shay. He was the man who founded Pacific Architects & Engineers. That company was sold to Lockheed Martin in 2006, for well over a billion in cash. If that’s not enough coin to impress, consider this... another cast member throws a Lunar New Year party in the premiere episode, but it's no backyard shindig. For the bash, Rodeo Drive was shut down, and a Chinese child was sponsored on behalf of each and every guest in attendance. So, what about that one exception? The "not rich" cast member? That person is Kevin Kreider and the general consensus is that he is adorable.
While Kevin is decidedly not as rich as his friends, he is the everyman entry point to the show. He takes viewers through the unfamiliar world of serious money. Raised in Philadelphia, Kevin is an adopted Korean-American. His family is a pretty standard white American family, and his mom does make an appearance on Bling Empire. Her appearance gave viewers a glimpse into why Kevin is so likable. She’s a woman of many words and she says what’s on her mind with a refreshing sense of confidence and self-awareness. Kevin left Philly to pursue his modeling and acting career. His ridiculously chiseled abs got noticed, and he's graced the pages of Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness. He was also the first Asian-American to greet customers without his shirt on at the Fifth Ave. Abercrombie & Fitch in New York City.
Of course, his life isn’t all glam and fame. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Alopecia areata. The disease causes hair loss all over the body. Kevin said he lost most of his hair in two short weeks. He thought career stress might have caused the problem. Kreider was also bullied relentlessly as a kid. From being Asian to being skinny, the bullies frequently reminded Kevin that he was different, which left him with feelings of worthlessness and not belonging. Kevin took those negative feelings and turned them into some sweet, sweet lemonade. In 2018, he delivered a Ted Talk, “Redefining Asian Masculinity.” His words were so powerful that the talk went viral.
Kevin dreams of a world where “Asian men can be cool, be seen as cool, sexy, fun, just like any other race.” With his performance on Bling Empire, it’s safe to say Kevin’s turning that dream into a reality.
Bling Empire is now streaming on Netflix
Source: Hollywood Life