The Significance of Cinderella Reinterpreted by Hayerin: Words from Hayerin, Who Plays Sophie in 'Bridgerton 4'

This Cinderella possesses a firm moral compass. It is the story of 'Sophie Beck' (Hayerin) in the Netflix series 〈Bridgerton〉 Season 4 (hereafter 〈Bridgerton4〉). 'Benedict' (Luke Thompson) loves Sophie and proposes that she become his 'mistress.' Sophie responds, "You don't even know that the last thing I want to be is your mistress, do you?" And Sophie adds, "You are asking me to abandon my morals, dignity, and pride. You want me to live as a packaged whore who will never marry. I refuse to live such a lowly life, even if I cannot attain noble status. As a maid, I am not ashamed and am needed, but do you intend to usurp that position? For what purpose?"

The series 〈Bridgerton〉 deals with the scandals and romances that shook 19th-century British high society, and for the first time in Season 4, it shines a light on the world of servants. The maid Sophie falls in love with Benedict Bridgerton from high society, but this new Cinderella does not readily take the prince's hand. Rather than changing herself for someone else, she chooses to live as a competent maid without shame.

The Cinderella reinterpreted by Hayerin is not an ordinary woman in distress; she is a capable and resilient strategist who knows how to protect herself. For instance, she escapes from an employer who has not paid her a penny for seven years while stealing diamond shoe decorations. Hayerin imbued Sophie with seriousness and weight, unwavering conviction, yet never clumsy, with refinement, elegance, and dignity.

Hayerin, who plays Sophie Beck, is a Korean-Australian actress who gained attention for her roles in the Netflix series 〈Survivors〉 and the drama 〈Halo〉, and she is also the first Asian actress to take on a leading role in the 〈Bridgerton〉 series. On the afternoon of the 4th, a press conference was held on the 3rd floor of Community House Masil in Myeongdong, Seoul, where Hayerin responded to questions from domestic reporters about 〈Bridgerton4〉. On that day, Hayerin candidly shared her thoughts on the behind-the-scenes of 〈Bridgerton4〉 and her experiences as an actress in Hollywood, alternating between Korean and English. Here are the words, words, words conveyed by the seemingly strong and determined actress Hayerin, just like Sophie.

Hayerin's Overturned Cinderella: "Sophie is not a Cinderella... a character who does not immediately grasp the hand of salvation"

〈Bridgerton4〉 completely overturns the typical Cinderella story. The series captures the romance that transcends love, identity, and class boundaries between the free-spirited Benedict Bridgerton, who is indifferent to marriage, and the 'woman in the silver dress' he meets at a masquerade, and the real maid Sophie, but Hayerin firmly stated, "Except for the first episode of 〈Bridgerton4〉, it is a completely different story from the Cinderella story." Hayerin explained, "Cinderella immediately takes the prince's hand when he reaches out. However, Sophie does not immediately grasp Benedict's hand when he extends his hand of salvation. 〈Bridgerton4〉 is a story about discovering 'who the other person truly is.' It is a story that looks at the other person as they are, beyond class, appearance, and social status, and above all, it is a story about fighting to win that love," summarizing 〈Bridgerton4〉 as a tale of whether one can fight for what they truly desire, even if society stands in the way.

Additionally, Hayerin remarked, "Sophie is a witty and intelligent maid. On the outside, she appears very strong, but inside, she has a fragile duality. That made it fun to act." Regarding the similarities between herself and Sophie, she hesitated, saying, "I feel like I might reveal too much about myself," but added, "The fact that I have wit and a very high moral standard inside is similar. If we talk about weaknesses, I also tend to lack confidence. I have wondered if I am attractive enough to someone based on today's societal standards. And I think the trauma or pain I experienced in childhood also affects me until adulthood, which seems to be a commonality between Sophie and me," she candidly shared.

The Touching Moment of Casting: "Crying and Yelling with My Mother in the Heart of Gangnam"

On this day, Hayerin also shared the process of joining 〈Bridgerton4〉. Recalling the moment she received the audition offer for 〈Bridgerton4〉, Hayerin said, "I was in Taean. I was shopping at Lotte Mart when I received a call from my agent asking if I knew about 〈Bridgerton〉. I replied, 'Of course I do!' So, I sent a self-tape of two scenes from 〈Bridgerton4〉". Hayerin explained, "I thought there would be no response, but I received an email asking for a Zoom meeting, and I met with the production team. Later, at 11 PM Korean time, I did a chemistry read (test) with Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict." Hayerin recalled the touching moment of casting, saying, "Afterward, I was having dinner with my mother in Gangnam when I heard the news of my acceptance. My mother and I cried and yelled together. People around us looked at us as if to say, 'Is that woman okay?'" However, she added, "When I did the chemistry read with Luke Thompson, I felt that the acting flowed well. Still, I thought there might be a prettier and more talented actress than me. But according to Luke, he felt an immediate connection," revealing that she did not think she would become the protagonist of 〈Bridgerton4〉.

Living as a Korean Actress in Hollywood: From 'Sophie Beck' to 'Sophie Baek' and Still 'Hayerin'

In the original novel of 〈Bridgerton4〉, Sophie's last name was 'Beckett,' but after Hayerin was cast as Sophie, her last name was changed to the Korean surname 'Baek.' Hayerin explained, "After receiving the acceptance notice, during a meeting with the production team, the question arose, 'Is there a Korean surname similar to 'Beckett'? Since 'Baek' starts with B in English and sounds similar to the original name Beckett, it was easily decided to be 'Sophie Baek.' I felt relieved by that. Since I am a Korean actress, I thought it was very natural to change to a surname that fits my identity. I was very grateful that the role felt like it was tailored to me."

Although Hayerin works in Hollywood, she continues to use her Korean name 'Hayerin' or 'Yerin Ha' instead of creating a special English name. Hayerin explained, "(When I lived in Australia) I have always lived as 'Yerin' since I was young. Looking back now, I am very grateful that my mother did not give me another English name," adding, "I think the name 'Hayerin' expresses my identity and confidence as a Korean person well."

When asked if she feels that perceptions of Asian actors are changing in Hollywood, Hayerin replied, "I definitely feel that there is change. Especially in attitudes. The way they treat and communicate with actors of color has become much more fair and equal than before. The first change I felt was the increase in audition opportunities. Even if it is not a leading role, the fact that Asian actors are given audition opportunities is a clear change," she responded.

What Did the 〈Bridgerton〉 Series Really Want to Say? "〈Bridgerton〉 is the Most Ideal Society of Love That Does Not Judge by Skin Color"

〈Bridgerton〉 is a series that has received praise for casting diverse races. Regarding this, Hayerin stated, "It is true that 〈Bridgerton〉 is set in the past, but it reflects today's reality very well," adding, "I feel that such a portrayal (of various races appearing) is not unnatural. Perhaps it is because I have mingled with people of various races in Australia and the United States." She also expressed, "Since it is a story that encompasses various races and sexual orientations, I think it resonates with audiences worldwide," sharing her thoughts on the 〈Bridgerton〉 series.

Furthermore, Hayerin stated, "What 〈Bridgerton〉 does so well is depict a society that does not judge others based on skin color or external factors. In a way, it represents the most ideal state of society that we can imagine. If there is a core spirit of the work, it is that we all should love each other, and nothing should be a reason to separate us in that love. That was flowing in both the work itself and the set," conveying the significance of the 〈Bridgerton〉 series in terms of diversity.

Confession and Beliefs About Exposure Scenes: "Intimacy Coordinators Are Essential"

The 〈Bridgerton〉 series explores various sexualities and ways of love as much as it features diverse racial compositions. Hayerin reflected on the exposure scenes in 〈Bridgerton4〉, saying, "The pressure was immense. The media often criticizes women's bodies. Especially in Korea, the standards of beauty are stricter compared to the Western world. I think I have had a certain perspective on myself and my body that has flowed in a specific direction," recalling the many concerns during the preparation period. However, she added, "Fortunately, in 〈Bridgerton4〉, I was able to work with an intimacy coordinator. I now think it is a truly essential role in this industry. They not only choreographed the intimate scenes like a dance but also did their best to ensure that all actors and staff felt safe. I believe that in that safety, we can deliver the best performance possible," sharing her experiences and beliefs about the filming.

From 'Granddaughter of Son Sook' to Becoming a Global Actress... "Sometimes I Experience Imposter Syndrome"

Hayerin is also the granddaughter of veteran actress Son Sook. On this day, Hayerin confessed, "When I was young, I came to Korea about once a year to see my grandmother's plays. At that time, I thought the profession of an actor, who can provide comfort to people, was wonderful," admitting the significant influence her grandmother had on her. She also shared, "My grandmother (Son Sook) watched all of 〈Bridgerton4〉 and said she was proud. I saw her this morning, and she said, 'Now, instead of being 'Son Sook's granddaughter Hayerin,' I am 'Hayerin's grandmother Son Sook,'" bringing laughter to the audience.

Hayerin has previously expressed her ambition to become a global actress representing the East. On this day, she shared, "Honestly, sometimes I experience imposter syndrome, and I feel a fear that my presence here is purely due to luck. I also fear that this luck might run out at some point," candidly sharing her feelings about living as an actress. However, she added, "But I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility for being able to be in such a position. I think there is still a long way to go in representing Asians in Hollywood, and I am truly happy to take on the role of leading change where change is needed," expressing her mindset.