Korean actress Ha Yerin, who plays the lead role in ‘Bridgerton 4,’ shared various stories related to the production.
On the afternoon of the 4th, Ha Yerin attended a press conference for Netflix’s series ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 at Community House Masil in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul.
‘Bridgerton 4’ is a romantic series centered on Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson), a free-spirited character indifferent to marriage. He navigates love, identity, and class boundaries with Sophie Beck (Ha Yerin), the “Lady in the Silver Dress” he meets at a masquerade ball, and her reality as a maid.
Ha Yerin expressed her amazement at the show’s performance, stating, “I heard that it reached number two on the domestic chart today. It’s not easy for a foreign work to rise in the charts, so I was very surprised and grateful.” She added, “It didn’t feel real. It felt like something happening outside, so I couldn’t quite grasp it.”
She explained her audition process: “Many productions utilize self-tape auditions from abroad. While in Korea, I received a call from my agent to audition for ‘Bridgerton.’ I had to submit it within 24 hours, so I filmed and sent two scenes in a single day. I didn’t think much of it, assuming there would be no response.”
She recalled, “A few days later, I received an email for a callback, followed by instructions for a Zoom meeting with the director and casting director. I auditioned at 11 PM Korean time, having been extremely nervous all day. While eating with my mother at Gangnam Station, I received the call informing me I had been cast as the lead. We cried and screamed together.”
Ha Yerin also handled intense exposure scenes in ‘Bridgerton 4.’ She candidly shared, “There was a lot of pressure and concern.”
She continued, “These days, many people seem to believe they have the right to criticize and judge women’s bodies. In Korea, compared to the West, beauty standards appear to be stricter and different. Growing up in Korea, my perspective on my body seemed to have been directed in a certain way.”
An Intimacy Coordinator joined the production to guide the depiction of sexual scenes, from which Ha Yerin said she greatly benefited.
Furthermore, ‘Bridgerton 4’ faced racial discrimination controversies during promotions abroad, including instances where Ha Yerin was placed in corner seats and her name was misspelled.
Ha Yerin shared, “This project was the most equal and diverse I’ve participated in during my seven-year acting career. I didn’t feel there was racism, but there were definitely overlooked details.”
She commented, “I hope it’s an opportunity for various media to learn that such details should not be overlooked, and that it doesn’t lead to excessive criticism and hatred.”
Regarding Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton and did not visit Korea with her, she explained, “Luke is promoting in New York. I am happy and find it very meaningful to promote here in Korea separately.”
Regarding netizens hoping the two actors become a real couple, she commented, “I saw some comments like that. I guess it’s hope inspired by seeing Benedict and Sophie’s chemistry. I’m grateful to have Luke as a friend, and I hope that is visible. If people think that way, it’s a success.”
Finally, Ha Yerin described ‘Bridgerton 4’ as “a story about fighting for love, not a Cinderella story.” She added, “It’s about asking if you can fight for love if society opposes or blocks it despite truly wanting someone.”
‘Bridgerton 4’ is streaming on Netflix.
