"Unlike Cinderella Who Grabs Hands Without Hesitation"... 'Bridgerton 4' Yerin Ha, A Hope Raised as Korean-American Sophie Baek

As Netflix's flagship series 〈Bridgerton 4 (Bridgerton Season 4)〉 is creating a global sensation, the protagonist and Korean-American actress Yerin Ha returned to her homeland to share her heartfelt message and aspirations as an actress.

◆ "Not a Simple Cinderella Story"... Emphasizing a Self-Determined Female Image

At a press conference held at Community House Masil in Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 4th, Yerin Ha differentiated 〈Bridgerton 4〉 from the traditional Cinderella narrative. She explained, "Cinderella immediately grabs the prince's hand, but Sophie hesitates, considering her dignity and circumstances," adding, "I portrayed a self-determined character who strives to genuinely understand who the other person is and fight for love despite the barriers of class and social status." This season focuses on the romance between Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson), the second son of the Bridgerton family, and Sophie Baek, a maid, achieving the top spot in the global English show category.

◆ From 'Sophie Beckett' to 'Sophie Baek'... Inscribing Korean Identity

Notably, the original character 'Sophie Beckett' was changed to 'Sophie Baek' at Yerin's suggestion. Yerin shared, "When I was offered the surname change in a meeting with showrunner Jess Brownell, I directly mentioned 'Baek' as a way to express my identity as a Korean," and added, "It was refreshing and gratifying to use a surname that aligns with my identity in a Hollywood production." She also explained her choice to retain her Korean name 'Yerin' instead of adopting an English name, stating, "It allows me to show my confidence as a Korean."

◆ Granddaughter of the "Matriarch of Theater" Son Sook... "Grandma is My Artistic Root"

Yerin Ha is also well-known as the granddaughter of veteran actress Son Sook. She recalled realizing the nobility of the acting profession while watching her grandmother's one-person plays as a child. She shared an anecdote about her grandmother sending a message saying she was "proud yet embarrassed" about the exposure scenes in this work, expressing her deep family affection by saying, "In the past, I was known as 'Son Sook's granddaughter,' but now it feels both proud and bittersweet that my grandmother is referred to as 'Yerin Ha's grandmother.'"

◆ Racial Discrimination Controversy and Changes in Hollywood... "Tolerance Over Hatred"

Regarding the recent racial discrimination controversy that arose during overseas promotions (such as being sidelined in photo compositions), Yerin Ha provided a mature response. She asserted, "I have never felt personal discrimination on set; rather, it was the most equal and diversity-respecting environment ever." However, she acknowledged that "there may have been overlooked details that caused controversy, but it was not intentional," and expressed her hope that such situations would become opportunities for learning rather than leading to blame and hatred.

◆ "This is Just the Beginning"... A Desire to Appear in Korean Works

Yerin Ha, who is expanding her presence by being cast in Hollywood blockbusters like 〈Dune: Part Two〉, maintained her humility by stating, "I am still at the starting point." She expressed her desire to appear in Korean works if given the opportunity, sharing her ambitious aspiration to stand on the international film festival stage with Korean productions. The world is focused on Yerin Ha's journey as she walks with the responsibility of representing Asian actors in Hollywood.