Christine Chiu Teases a "Huge Surprise" in "Bling Empire" Season 2

"We can definitely expect all of the elements that everyone loves about this show. Fashion, of course, the bling, drama, but we should remember that this was filmed during the pandemic, so there were restrictions," Chiu says, adding that the show had to cancel previously scheduled trips to Singapore, Italy, and France due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the show focuses more on the relationships amongst the cast this time around. "In season one, we focused a lot on getting to know each cast member individually. Since we already built that foundation, we get to see the dynamics and the personalities play out," Chiu notes.

But it won't be smooth sailing! According to Chiu, viewers will be surprised by all the twists and turns that come with this season. "There's definitely much more drama in season two," she adds. "And if you stay tuned until the very end, you're going to get a huge surprise. But even along the way, there are a lot of surprises. Kelly is on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement for the most part, so she takes a pretty mellow role this season — but there is a little surprise."

Chiu teases that the biggest takeaway from season two is that "the truth will always prevail." She adds, "You go on this journey of gossip and rumors and just know you have to stay until the very end to see the truth come up."

Tensions ran high between Chiu and Shay as they battled it out for the "queen bee" title on the first season of "Bling Empire," but apparently it was initially only supposed to be fun and games. "The truth is, in season one, Anna and I both went into it. We were both in on it. We were playing this friendly game of back and forth, and it was supposed to be fun. It was really based off of the characters in 'Dynasty,'" Chiu admits. "And then somehow, I think she drank the Kool-Aid, and I think she forgot that this was all kind of fun and games. So having said that, in season two, I think she really started to believe there was a rivalry between us . . . things got a little darker in season two."

Chiu says she personally learned a lot this season given that her storylines are much more personal. "I lost my mother last year, so we dive into some of that," she says. "The most important lesson I take away from season two is that the truth always comes out. It may not be a day later, it may not be a week later, but ultimately, the truth will prevail. And if you know your own intentions, your own heart, and your thoughts are good and in the right place, other people will come to see that, too. Sometimes it takes a while."

The other important thing Chiu learned this season is that "gossip is a very dangerous game." She notes, "You'll see a little bit of that in season two and how damaging the game of gossip can be."

After watching season two of "Bling Empire," Chiu hopes the audience realizes that "more is more when it comes to diversity." "What I love about 'Bling Empire' is that amidst all of the drama, the bling, and the craziness, there are tokens of cultural perspectives mixed in," Chiu says. "Folks will get to see things that are very special to our culture, but it's not done in a way where it's like PBS or like, 'This is how Korean people talk.' It's just interwoven in it very naturally so that you are learning about and appreciating different cultures and their specialties without realizing you're learning."

"I would love the addition of artists and creators, whether they're entrepreneurs, storytellers, dancers, or musicians, just folks who are showcasing additional talent," Chiu says. "I know that the heart and soul of 'Bling Empire' is really not the bling. It's not. The bling is what's drawing you in, but the stories and the journeys are what keep you hooked and resonate with people and make it worthwhile and impactful for myself and the rest of the cast to participate on this project. With that in mind, I would love for us to not rely on money, but to rely on stories. Rich stories, not necessarily rich bank accounts."

Netflix has yet to renew "Bling Empire" for a third season, but we're keeping our fingers crossed!