Who is Vika Abbyaeva from 'Bling Empire: New York'?

Vika Abbyaeva might be responsible for one of the most shocking moments on Bling Empire: New York, but she's arguably the most elusive face on the new show.

The Netflix series premiered on Friday, January 20, to satiate our appetites for luxury and opulence in the Big Apple (you need only take a look at the Bling Empire: New York cast net worth to see how wealthy they really are). 

But 27-year-old Vika, Richard Chang's other half, tends to remain out of the spotlight in comparison to the rest of the Bling Empire: New York cast. So who Vika Abbyaeva, exactly? What does she do for work, and how does she spend her free time? Let's get to know the reality TV newbie. 

Who is Vika Abbyaeva from 'Bling Empire: New York'?

27-year-old New Yorker Vika Abbyaeva originally hails from Russia, and it's believed she's involved in the modeling industry to some extent—though she's relatively tight-lipped about her career on social media. (But we do catch a few headshots here and there.) 

She also revealed to Netflix Tudum that she's a data analyst, often working from home. In fact, she is said to have studied Computer Science and Math at Baruch college New York—impressive! Despite this, she shared that she's actually looking to make a few professional changes, explaining, "I’m looking for a transition,” she says. “I want to explore my creative side."

By scanning her feed, it's clear Abbyaeva has a keen love of travel, as she's photographed all over the US—from New York, obviously, to Beverly Hills and Washington, D.C.—and abroad in Italy, Spain and the Dominican Republic. 

Vika Abbyaeva and Richard Chang's relationship:

On the Bling Empire spinoff, we're introduced to Richard Chang, a former Calvin Klein merchandise planner currently working in the wellness industry. Though he's long had a handle on his career, his love life was a lot more complicated...until Vika came into the picture.

After countless bad dates, Richard shares on the show that believes he has met 'the one'. Their 11-year age gap seemed to be a big focus (though Stephen and Deborah Hung have 24 years between them), but it seemed like it hadn't deterred the pair...until Richard decided to pop the question a year into their relationship.

Mid-proposal, Vika interrupts her boyfriend, saying: "If you are going where I think you are going, I have to stop you. Okay?", providing one of the most awkward moments of the series so far.

Explaining herself, Vika felt that things were rushed, and that she wanted to take time to grow within their relationship. With such an astounding moment, people have asked "Are Richard and Vika still together?" and luckily, the answer is yes. The two are going strong—but have yet to solidify their union for life via marriage. 

What is Vika Abbyaeva's nationality?

Although Bling Empire: New York focuses on groups of wealthy Asians, Vika Abbyaeva is half-Kalmyk and half-Russian.

Vika Abbyaeva age: how old is she?

Born on June 12, 1995, Vika is currently 27 years old—and a Gemini. 

Her beau Richard, on the other hand, is 38, which means the pair have an 11-year age gap. The couple seem to be making it work very well though!

Vika Abbyaeva Instagram: what's her handle?

Catch Vika (and Richard's) adventures on Instagram at @vika.abby, where she has more than 37,000 followers—up from 12,600 a month ago!

There, you'll see peeks into their romantic getaways everywhere from Capri, Italy, to Cabo, Mexico. Vika also regularly posts about her uber-glamorous life in New York, sharing videos and snaps from parties, fashion weeks, and luxury dinners.

What is Vika Abbyaeva's net worth?

Richard describes himself and his girlfriend as being "bling adjacent," meaning that the two are on the lower end of the monetary spectrum in comparison to other Bling Empire: New York cast members—though of course, they spend plenty of time with the very wealthy.

However, the pair aren't exactly struggling for cash. Vika Abbyaeva is reportedly worth over $1 million, and Richard's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. It's thought that most of Vika's wealth is from her modeling career, work in data, and her role as part of the cast of Bling Empire: New York.

Vika 'Bling Empire: New York' drama

In the show, we see Richard and Vika at odds over their friendship group (Dorothy Wang, Tina Leung, etc.) and Vika's involvement with them. Richard had expressed his concerns about Vika spending time with them alone, particularly on a Bahamas getaway, which caused tension and some nasty behavior on Richard's part. 

Though the tension has sucked readers in, there appears to be disappointment among the cast now that the series has aired. 

On the show, we witness Richard's charity event for pancreatic cancer, which was in honor of his mother's battle. The event raised nearly $60,000, but according to Vika, the show focused on "petty" arguments between cast members rather than the main purpose of the event, something she revealed on Instagram on Monday, January 23. She even posted an image of her cat squinting with the caption "Us watching BLING EMPIRE New York." Yikes! 

Things might be off to a shaky start for Vika and Richard, but perhaps we'll see how things play out in Bling Empire: New York season 2?

See Vika Abbyaeva on Bling Empire: New York, now streaming on Netflix.