Netflix’s “Bling Empire” Casts Spotlight On The Mega-Rich

Viewers indulge in narcissistic lifestyles of the wealthy.

Shot in 2019 before the pandemic, Bling Empire follows several rich Asian socialites and singles who live in Los Angeles’ Beverly Hills. Billed as the reality TV version of hit movie Crazy Rich Asians, the Netflix mini-series explores the flashy lifestyles of the mega-rich, including their preoccupation with extravagant parties and luxury shopping.

Bling Empire is helmed by producer Jeff Jenkins, who was behind hit reality series Keeping Up With the Kardashians that catapulted Kim Kardashian and her family to fame,

The series starts off with juicy comparisons and rivalry between two socialites, Christine Chiu and Anna Shay, and their jaw-dropping displays of wealth. Other personalities featured include: Singapore’s rich second generation Kane Lim, model Kevin Kreider, DJ Kim Lee, hair colorist Guy Tang, entrepreneur Kelly Mi Li, heiress Cherie Chan, and influencer Jaime Xie.

Self-Proclaimed “Royalty”: Christine Chiu

Born in Taiwan, Christine grew up in the United States and is married to famed Hollywood cosmetic surgeon Gabriel Chiu. The two set up a cosmetic surgery clinic in Beverly Hills, specializing in surgeries for Hollywood celebrities, famous personalities, and political stars. Their subsequent career success saw them join the ranks of the rich and famous, and they count Prince Charles as a friend.

Having the protection of security guards and travelling across the globe on private planes are a norm for Christine. Often organizing luxurious parties, Christine had the entire Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills blocked, and decorated in a sea of festive red as the backdrop for their Lunar New Year party.

The Arms Dealer’s Daughter: Anna Shay

Reportedly worth US$600 million, Japanese-Russian heiress Anna Shay is estimated to be at least 60 years old and the wealthiest cast member in Bling Empire. Her late father Edward Shay is stated as a weapons dealer billionaire, while her mother is Japanese-American.

Divorced four times with a 27-year-old son, Anna flew regularly to France for travels and shopping trips with her French boyfriend, and often hosted charity parties in Los Angeles before the pandemic.

Rivalry Between the Rich

In the first episode, Christine and Anna’s rivalry take center stage. Christine deliberately wore a luxurious Louis Vuitton necklace to Anna’s party and asked the latter if she recognized the jewelry piece. This infuriated Anna, who asserted that she has a similar necklace. While Christine defended herself by explaining that she wore the necklace “out of respect” for the host, Anna was furious and deliberately moved Christine and her husband’s seats to the end of the table and far away from the important guests. Christine later confronts Anna about the matter.

Besides flaunting their wealth, the cast also share their personal identity issues as well as relationship problems, such as the headstrong Christine, who was revealed to be struggling with fertility issues in 11 years of marriage. She finally gave birth to her son Baby G via in-vitro fertilization, which solidified her position in the family. Christine and her husband Gabriel share their emotional thoughts while discussing the possibility of engaging a surrogate mother to give their son a sibling.

Source: Hket

This article is written by JoyceK for JayneStars.com.