Overview

Kevin Kreider is an American model, actor, speaker, and entrepreneur. He gained widespread recognition as the lead in Netflix’s ‘Bling Empire,’ a reality TV show featuring affluent Asian Americans. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted by an American family, Kevin has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He is also the Founder and CEO of Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc, focusing on alcohol-free beverages. Kevin began his career in the fitness industry and modeling. He was the first Asian-American shirtless greeter at Abercrombie & Fitch on Fifth Avenue in New York City. He has since appeared in publications like Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness. He is also known for his advocacy for mental health and sobriety.

Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc

Founder and CEO

What Is Kevin Kreider’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Kevin Kreider’s net worth is estimated to be around $10,000. This figure is significantly lower than the $10 million that some sources have erroneously reported. Kevin himself has refuted these higher estimates, clarifying that his financial status is more modest.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Kevin Taejin Kreider was born in Seoul, South Korea, on August 21, 1983. At the age of three, he was adopted by a German-Irish family and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a predominantly white community, he often felt culturally displaced, struggling to fit in with both Asian and American peers. This experience shaped his understanding of identity and belonging. He pursued higher education at Temple University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science.

After completing his education, Kevin started his career in fitness modeling and personal training. His dedication and unique look led to a significant milestone: becoming the first Asian-American shirtless greeter at Abercrombie & Fitch’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. He was also featured in publications like Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness and participated in campaigns for brands like Gillette and Peloton.

Challenges and Career Transition

In 2014, Kevin faced a personal and professional challenge when he was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition that caused temporary hair loss. This condition impacted his modeling career, leading him to transition from modeling to acting and public speaking. In 2015, Kevin made the decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting opportunities and focus on his sobriety.

Rise to Fame with “Bling Empire”

Kevin’s career took a significant turn when he was cast in Netflix’s reality series “Bling Empire,” which premiered in January 2021. The show follows the lives of wealthy Asian and Asian-American socialites in Los Angeles. Unlike his co-stars, Kevin was not fabulously wealthy, and he often served as a relatable voice for the audience, offering a grounded perspective on the extravagant lifestyles depicted in the show. In 2023, Kevin Kreider revealed that he was paid less than a UPS worker for starring in hit Netflix show.

His participation in “Bling Empire” significantly increased his public profile and opened doors to further opportunities in the entertainment industry. Kevin is also the subject of the documentary “The Ugly Model,” which explores the challenges and stereotypes faced by Asian male models in the fashion industry.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Current Projects

Beyond his on-screen presence, Kevin is also an entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc., a company specializing in non-alcoholic beverages. Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc. was founded in 2013 and specializes in healthy social drinking alternatives with adaptogens, ginseng, and L-Theanine that offers a cognitive boost, while still being low-calorie. He also founded Taejin Entertainment LLC. These ventures reflect his commitment to promoting health, wellness, and Asian representation in media.

Kevin continues to engage with audiences through various media appearances and public speaking engagements. He delivered a TED talk called “Redefining Asian Masculinity” that went viral. His ongoing efforts to challenge stereotypes and advocate for Asian representation remain central to his professional pursuits.

Income and Lifestyle

Kevin’s income is derived from his modeling and acting career, entrepreneurial ventures, and public speaking engagements. Despite his rising profile, Kevin maintains a grounded lifestyle, emphasizing personal growth and meaningful experiences over material wealth. His estimated net worth of $10,000 reflects his current financial standing, which is expected to grow as he continues to pursue various opportunities in the entertainment and business sectors.

While some “Bling Empire” cast members earn significant amounts per Instagram post, such as Kim Lee who can charge up to $4,611, Kevin Kreider’s earnings per post are estimated to be around $2,150. This income contributes to his overall financial portfolio.

Other Notable Works and Achievements

  • First Asian-American shirtless greeter at Abercrombie & Fitch’s Fifth Avenue store.
  • Featured in Men’s Health and Men’s Fitness magazines.
  • Founder and CEO of Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc. and Taejin Entertainment LLC.
  • Star of Netflix’s “Bling Empire.”
  • Subject of the documentary “The Ugly Model.”
  • Starred in Asian Persuasion.
  • Participant in The Traitors Season 2.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Kevin has been open about his struggles with identity, addiction, and mental health. He has been sober for over seven years and actively promotes sobriety and mental health awareness. Kevin’s journey to sobriety and his experiences as a Korean-American adoptee have made him a sought-after speaker on topics of diversity, inclusion, and mental health. He was abandoned at the age of three and left at a city council building. He was later adopted by a German-Irish Catholic family in the United States.

His advocacy extends to challenging stereotypes and redefining Asian masculinity. Through his work and public appearances, Kevin aims to create positive change and redefine industry standards.

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