Korean-American actor Kevin Kreider first rose to fame as a charismatic cast member of Netflix’s hit reality series Bling Empire. Beyond the glitz and glamor of the show, Kevin has built a career as a model, actor, entrepreneur, comic book author, as well as an advocate for Asian representation in media. With a brand-new credit in Hello, Love, Again co-starring Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo, viewers will naturally get curious about this star. Ahead, get to know the actor with this essential info.
Who Is Kevin Kreider? 10 Things to Know About the Korean-American Actor
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He was a cast member in Netflix’s reality series “Bling Empire.”
Viewers may have first encountered Kevin in the Netflix reality series Bling Empire, which spotlighted the opulent lives of wealthy Asians and Asian Americans. While Kevin was dubbed the “black sheep” of the series for not being a billionaire like most of the cast, he quickly became an audience favorite as the show’s lovable and relatable figure.
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He was adopted by his American family.
In Bling Empire, Kevin shares that he was born in South Korea and adopted by a white American family at the age of three. During an episode in the series, Kevin received his DNA results that revealed his Korean ancestry. There, he opened up to his adoptive mother about his curiosity to learn more about his biological family—a sentiment she supports wholeheartedly.
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He entered the industry as a model.
Kevin began his career as a fitness model, working with top modeling agencies in New York City. As a model, he graced the pages of publications like Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness, as well as fronting brands like Peloton, Gilette, and Abercrombie & Fitch, where he was the first Asian-American model to welcome guests while shirtless on New York City’s Fifth Avenue branch. He chronicles his time in the industry as the subject of the documentary, The Ugly Model.
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He was diagnosed with Alopecia areata.
In 2014, Kevin was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. He shared how the stress of his modeling career contributed to the diagnosis, leading to a significant turning point in his life. Kevin credits meditation, strength training, and a healthy diet for helping him recover and regain his confidence.
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He’s a comic book author.
Kevin’s creative talents extend to storytelling beyond different mediums. He authored Taejin: Legend of the Yang Metal, a comic book about a rebellious teenager who discovers latent powers tied to a family talisman. The story is set in Philadelphia and blends themes of heritage and heroism. Plus, it can be read online on WebToon!
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He co-founded a production company.
Alongside his longtime partner Devon Diep, Kevin co-founded Alls Productions, a company dedicated to telling authentic Asian-centric love stories. The company aims to shift the narrative around Asian representation in Hollywood by creating complex, three-dimensional characters and avoiding stereotypes.
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He starred alongside KC Concepcion in the Hollywood film “Asian Persuasion.”
In 2023, Kevin starred in Asian Persuasion, a romantic comedy boasting a Filipino-American cast. The film, directed by Tony Award and Grammy-winning Filipino film producer Jhett Tolentino, saw Kevin alongside Fil-Am Hollywood regulars Dante Basco (Hook, Avatar: The Last Airbender), Paolo Montalban (1997’s Cinderella), and leading lady KC Concepcion, who made her acting comeback.
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He’s vocal about redefining Asian masculinity.
Kevin’s 2018 TED Talk, “Redefining Asian Masculinity,” went viral for its bold message. He shared his experiences with bullying and stereotypes because of his race and heritage. “I imagine a world where Asian men can give wholeheartedly, be vulnerable, share, love, receive love, be limitless in what they do to their communities and for their communities not because of a stereotype,” he said. “And I also imagine a world where Asian men can be cool, be seen as cool, sexy, fun, just like any other race.”
The actor is also a staunch advocate for mental health. Previously, he was invited by the White House to discuss the subject, along his journey to sobriety.
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He plays Uno in “Hello, Love, Again.”
Kevin stars as Uno in Hello, Love, Again, the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster hit Hello, Love, Goodbye. The movie, which marks Kevin’s collaboration with the Philippines’ very own Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, is a dream project for him.
“I just thought it’d be something fun to show off to my Filipino friends in America as well,” he said in an interview. “And to be in such a beloved movie [the Philippines] loves so much. I was so excited that I could play a part in this.”
“It’s really an honor to work with both Kathryn and Alden because [of] their great talent. I mean, this is the first time I’ve worked with Filipino talents. It’s an honor to be part of this movie,” he continued. “They’re amazing actors to work with, they made me feel very welcome, and they did everything to make me feel at ease and welcomed while working with them.”
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You can follow Kevin on Instagram.
To keep up with Kevin’s latest projects and personal updates, follow him on Instagram @kevin.kreider.
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