Ha Yerin Opens Up About Her Cinderella Journey to Bridgerton Season 4 at Seoul Press Conference

Korean-Australian actress Ha Yerin held her first major press conference in Seoul on March 4, opening up about her remarkable journey from a self-tape filmed in rural South Korea to starring as the female lead in Netflix's global hit series Bridgerton Season 4.

Speaking at Community House Masil in central Seoul, Ha Yerin described the moment that changed her life. She recalled being at a grocery store in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, with her mother when her agent called about the Bridgerton audition. She had just 24 hours to prepare and submit a self-tape video.

"I practiced the scene and sent it in without thinking much of it. I was convinced I would not get it," Ha Yerin shared. Days later, she found herself in back-to-back Zoom meetings with the show's directors and co-star Luke Thompson. The life-changing call confirming her casting came while she was near Gangnam Station in Seoul, prompting her mother to burst into tears.

A Modern Fairy Tale With Real Depth

In Bridgerton Season 4, Ha Yerin plays Sophie Baek, a servant who captivates free-spirited Benedict Bridgerton at a masquerade ball while disguised in a silver gown. The season explores themes of love, identity, and class boundaries set against Regency-era England.

"Sophie appears strong on the outside but is vulnerable within. She carries layers of complex emotions, and bringing that complexity to life was the most exciting part of the role," Ha Yerin explained. She noted that filming followed a chronological order, which allowed her and Thompson to develop their on-screen chemistry organically. "Our sense of humor is very similar. Luke is someone full of love and a wonderful friend," she added warmly.

Global Success and a Grandmother's Pride

The season has achieved remarkable success, recording 280 million viewing hours and claiming the top spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 TV Shows in the English-language category. In South Korea, it peaked at number two on the national trending charts, demonstrating significant local interest in the Korean-heritage actress's breakthrough role.

Ha Yerin also shared a touching story about her grandmother, veteran Korean actress Son Sook. Despite having poor eyesight, Son Sook watched the entire series up close on her television screen alongside fellow actors and sent her granddaughter a message expressing pride and love. "It was warm and bittersweet at the same time," Ha Yerin said, adding with a laugh that her grandmother found the intimate scenes somewhat embarrassing to watch.

Navigating Vulnerability and Representation

The actress candidly addressed the challenges of filming intimate scenes, acknowledging that beauty standards in South Korea can feel particularly rigid. "There is a prevailing attitude where people feel entitled to judge a woman's body on screen. That made me fearful," she admitted. However, she praised the production's intimacy coordinator for choreographing those scenes carefully, creating a safe environment that enabled her best work.

Ha Yerin also reflected on what her casting means for Asian representation in Hollywood. "Asian actors still have a long way to go," she said. "I feel the weight of that responsibility, and it is one I am happy to carry." She confessed to experiencing imposter syndrome at times, wondering whether her success was simply due to luck, but emphasized that her sense of duty keeps her grounded and motivated.

Looking ahead, Ha Yerin hinted at a possible return for future seasons. "If Sophie becomes part of the Bridgerton family, I think you might see her again in the next season," she said with a smile, leaving the door open for continued involvement in the beloved Netflix franchise.