SYDNEY, 28 February 2026 – Australian actress Yerin Ha has officially cemented her status as a global breakout star following the release of Bridgerton Season 4, Part 2 on Netflix this week. The Sydney-born performer, who portrays Sophie Baek (the “Lady in Silver”), has received widespread critical acclaim for her chemistry with co-star Luke Thompson and her nuanced portrayal of the series’ first East Asian romantic lead.
Bridgerton Season 4: The “Benophie” Finale
As of late February 2026, the second half of Bridgerton Season 4 is dominated by the resolution of the “Benophie” romance. Recent interviews with Ha and Thompson highlight the “full circle” finale of the season, which follows Sophie’s journey from a mistreated housemaid to Benedict Bridgerton’s partner. Critics have praised Ha’s performance, with many noting that her facial expressions and subtle acting have fueled what some are calling the best season since the show’s premiere.
Behind the scenes, Ha has been candid about the physical demands of the role. In a recent interview with ELLE, she revealed that filming the highly anticipated bathtub sex scene took six hours and resulted in a case of folliculitis due to the baby powder used on set. Despite the “less than sexy” reality of filming, the scene has been hailed by fans as a highlight of the season’s romantic arc.
Career and Background
Born on 16 January 1998 in Sydney, Yerin Ha comes from a family with deep roots in the performing arts; her grandmother is a prominent South Korean actress. Ha trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
Before her Regency-era debut, Ha was best known to international audiences for her role as Kwan Ha in the Paramount+ series Halo and her performance in the Stan miniseries Bad Behaviour. She also appeared in the 2024 series Dune: Prophecy.
Yerin Ha: Key Facts and Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yerin Ha |
| Date of Birth | 16 January 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Education | National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) |
| Notable Roles | Sophie Baek (Bridgerton), Kwan Ha (Halo), Alice (Bad Behaviour) |
| Heritage | Korean-Australian |
Advocacy and Representation
In the days following the Season 4 finale, Ha has used her platform to speak about the importance of Asian representation in Western media. Speaking to People, she emphasised that “we deserve these roles,” noting that seeing someone who looks like her in a leading romantic capacity helps combat the “imposter syndrome” she initially felt when joining the cast. Her role as Sophie Baek—a character whose surname was changed from the original novels to reflect Ha’s Korean heritage—is being celebrated as a significant milestone for inclusivity in the “Bridgertonverse.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Yerin Ha play in Bridgerton?
Yerin Ha plays Sophie Baek, the love interest of Benedict Bridgerton. The character is a reimagining of Sophie Beckett from Julia Quinn’s novel An Offer from a Gentleman.
Is Yerin Ha Australian?
Yes, Yerin Ha was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and is of Korean descent.
What happened to Yerin Ha during the bathtub scene?
Ha revealed in February 2026 that she developed a skin reaction (folliculitis) after filming the six-hour bathtub sequence for Season 4, Part 2, due to the products used during production.
What was Yerin Ha’s breakout role?
While she gained significant attention for her role in the Halo television series (2022–2024), her role as the lead in Bridgerton Season 4 is considered her major global breakout performance.