Yerin Ha Takes the Lead as Sophie Baek in Bridgerton Season 4
Netflix's acclaimed period drama Bridgerton has introduced a new leading lady for its fourth season, with actress Yerin Ha stepping into the pivotal role of Sophie Baek. The character serves as the love interest for Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Ton's romantic intrigues.
From Sydney to Seoul: Yerin Ha's Background and Career
Yerin Ha, aged 28, brings a rich cultural heritage to her role. Born in Sydney, Australia, she moved to South Korea during her childhood, where she cultivated her passion for acting. Her educational journey includes attendance at the prestigious Kaywon High School of Arts in Seoul, followed by a return to Australia to complete a Fine Arts degree with a major in musical theatre.
Her linguistic abilities are particularly noteworthy, as she is fluent in both English and Korean, with additional experience in French, German, and Chinese. Standing at 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch), Yerin's petite stature adds to her distinctive presence on screen.
A Rising Star's Portfolio: Previous Television and Film Roles
While Bridgerton marks a significant milestone in her career, Yerin Ha is no stranger to television audiences. Her professional debut came in the French-American crime drama Reef Break, followed by notable appearances in series such as Halo and Troppo. She has also featured in Netflix's production The Survivors.
Her film career began in 2022 with the horror comedy Sissy, a project centred on themes of revenge that showcased her versatility as a performer.
Family Ties and Personal Privacy
Acting talent runs in Yerin's family. Her grandmother, Son Sook, was a celebrated South Korean actress and radio personality, while her parents originally met at drama school, embedding the performing arts deeply within her upbringing.
Regarding her personal life, Yerin maintains a notably private stance. Unlike some of her Bridgerton co-stars, she has not publicly disclosed details about her romantic relationships, choosing to keep the focus squarely on her professional achievements.
Embracing the Role of Sophie Baek
In Bridgerton season four, Sophie Baek is depicted as a maid who, yearning to experience life beyond her station, attends the illustrious Bridgerton Masquerade Ball. It is here that she captures Benedict Bridgerton's attention, setting the stage for their complex romance.
Yerin has spoken enthusiastically about her character's development, particularly the thematic exploration of identity and masks. "There’s this theme with masks that was running throughout all of my audition scenes," she explained to Radio Times. "When does Sophie put on this mask to cover her emotions? Or vice versa, when does she take it off and when does she soften up? Playing with those [questions] is just really fun."
A significant aspect of her portrayal involves a subtle but meaningful change to the character's name. While the original literary character is Sophie Beckett, the adaptation has shifted to Sophie Baek to honour Yerin's Korean heritage. "A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that’s why changing a name can be so powerful," she reflected. "To make Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering."
Yerin also highlighted Sophie's moral integrity as a key attraction to the role: "What drew me to Sophie was her moral compass: she doesn’t change who she is for anybody else. It’s a real push-and-pull game, because he’s of a noble class and Sophie’s of a lower class."
As Bridgerton continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Yerin Ha's portrayal of Sophie Baek promises to add depth and diversity to the series, blending historical romance with contemporary relevance.
