Yerin Ha says 'Bridgerton' shows ideal world without prejudice

Actor Yerin Ha / Courtesy of Netflix

Since its 2020 debut, Netflix's "Bridgerton" has ignited a global sensation with each season. What sets Season 4 apart is the addition of Korean Australian actor Yerin Ha.

She portrays Sophie Baek, the new heroine — a maid who slips into the Bridgerton masquerade ball as the enigmatic “Lady in Silver,” sparking a romance with Benedict Bridgerton. Through her role, Ha injects fresh energy and perspective into the series.

"Sophie is a witty, sharp-minded maid with a duality — tough on the outside, vulnerable within. That complexity made her fascinating and fun to play,” she said, explaining what drew her to the role during a press conference at Community House Masil in Seoul, Wednesday.

"Bridgerton" Season 4 unfolds as a sweeping romance that crosses the boundaries of love, identity and class. At its heart is Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson) — a free spirit indifferent to marriage — who becomes entangled between two worlds after meeting Sophie.

Ha emphasized that it’s no standard Cinderella tale, but a story of fighting for love, telling that Sophie isn’t someone who takes the easy path to escape her station when Benedict reaches out to her.

“People call it Cinderella, but I see it differently — aside from the beginning, it’s an entirely different story,” she said. “So while others compare her to Cinderella, I never did. Instead, I focused more on Sophie’s childhood trauma and emotional layers. Of course, I researched the British accent, dance and history, but her personality and inner world got the deepest dive.”

Yerin Ha is seen in Netflix series "Bridgerton." Courtesy of Netflix

After landing the lead role, the original Sophie Beckett’s surname was changed to the Korean-style Baek. “Bridgerton" boldly reimagines Regency-era England as a vibrant, color-conscious society where diverse races coexist seamlessly in high society ballrooms and beyond. Intentional casting shatters historical norms, infusing the series with modern inclusivity while amplifying themes of love transcending barriers.

"I think what 'Bridgeton' does so well is that it creates a society where people aren't judged by the color of their skin or by their external factors," she said.

"I think it essentially is almost an ideal state of how we should coexist in society today without prejudice, without racism. And so I think Shondaland (the series' production company) has created a production where it is full of hope and light and of what we see in our streets today. I think that's the whole point and the spirit of the show is that we should all love each other and think that we're all equals rather than thinking that we're separate or divided," she added.

The granddaughter of veteran theater actor Son Sook, she noted a shift in Hollywood’s landscape for Asian actors.

“I do think there has been a change. Mostly for me, what I’ve noticed is actually about attitude and the way they talk to people of color. I do think there is a bit more equal space, and there’s a bit more equity and equality in terms of how they deal with representation on set,” she said.

Working as an Asian actor in Hollywood, she said she feels immense responsibility. “I’m here, and I do feel like there’s a responsibility. I take that very seriously — there’s still work and progress to be made in Hollywood in terms of Asian representation. I’m more than happy to be at the forefront, to keep pushing for change even if it’s uncomfortable, to create space and opportunities for the people that are to come after,” she said.

Ha, who uses her Korean name abroad, shared, “I’ve used my Korean name overseas since childhood. I’ve always lived as Yerin, so it feels more comfortable. It’s also a chance to clearly show my Korean identity. I’m grateful to my mother for not giving me an English name. I want to keep working under the name Yerin going forward.”