Bridgerton star Yerin Ha opens up about representing the Asian community as Sophie in the fourth season of the Netflix drama
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"We deserve these roles and spaces," Ha told PEOPLE at the Lunar New Year Gold Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 12
Bridgerton season 4 is available to stream on Netflix
Bridgerton'sYerin Hais speaking out about the importance of Asian representation.
Ha, 28, shared what it means to her to represent the Asian community in Netflix's beloved drama while speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the Lunar New Year Gold Celebration hosted by Gold House in New York City on Wednesday, Feb. 12. TheBridgertonstar plays Sophie Baek, a maid who attends a masquerade ball and catches the eye of Benedict Bridgerton, in theseries fourth season.
"It's been really, really amazing and beautiful," Ha shares of being a part of the series' latest season. "I've been really caught up with a press tour, it has been really positive."
"I just feel so proud that I get to be the face of that and keep advocating for change and knowing that we deserve these roles and spaces," she adds.
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The fourth season ofBridgertonsees Sophie navigate class disparities and identity as her character falls in love with the wealthy Benedict, played byLuke Thompson. After meeting Sophie at the masquerade ball as the Lady in Silver, Benedict sets out on a quest to find the mystery woman.
For the Australian actress, working on the show has been filled with fun memories. "We just have fun every day," Ha says. "It was always a laugh on set, and everyone's a good time and a good chat."
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In an October 2024 interview withShondaland, Ha revealed the moment she discovered she landed the lead role in season 4. While she was having breakfast with her mom at a cafe in Korea, she received a phone call.
"She came out crying, and then after the phone call, she was like, 'We gotta go home. I think I have indigestion,' and so we left," Ha said. "It was really beautiful to kind of, I guess share that moment with her."
However, when Ha readAn Offer from a Gentleman, the book inJulia Quinn's series that follows Benedict's love story, the nerves set in. In her JanuaryInStylecover story, the actress revealed that the intimacy scenes between Benedict and Sophie made her nervous.
"Being a woman in this industry, it's a massive thing. People think that they have the right to talk about your body, how you look, and your external appearance," Ha said. "I've dealt with body image and that shame for a very, very long time — and I'm still working through it."
She continued, "But what's been really nice about Sophie is she's taught me a lot about self-love and self-acceptance. I'm still working on accepting myself for my entirety and being happy with who I am. In a world where we strive for perfection, what does that look like?"
Bridgertonseason 4 is available to stream on Netflix.
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