We’re witnessing a breakout moment as we know it. Ever since news broke of who would be the newest Bridgerton lead, Yerin Ha has been at the forefront of Hollywood. A Cinderella story forms the plot, where Yerin transforms into Sophie Baek for the fourth season.
These are seemingly big shoes to fill, but Yerin has been prepared. With a background in performing arts, her first love is none other than the theatre, where she majored in musical theatre in Sydney. Her breakout on the silver screen arrived in 2022, where she starred as Kwan Ha in the video-game adaptation Halo, produced by the luminary Steven Spielberg. It was a dream come true, but it didn’t stop there. She featured in HBO’s Dune: Prophecy and Netflix’s The Survivors, before fronting the newest season of Bridgerton, much to the delight of our dearest gentle readers.
But with much chatter surrounding the happenings of the ton, one may enquire about the unexpected diamond of the season, and the woman behind it. Here, we uncover the rising star that fronts our January/February ‘Art’ issue, and all things to know about Yerin Ha.
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She comes from a family of performers
With a distinguished actress as a grandmother and parents who met at acting school, one could say it was written in the stars that Yerin’s path led to stardom. Recognising her calling from a young age, she was formally trained in Korea and Australia(she can even tap dance!). But she ultimately owes her ambition to her grandfather: “He was a true believer that art could change the world and he was always instilling that in me. And so I’ve always felt that being an actor was quite a responsible job in what it can do to change and connect people.”
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She's a theatre kid
With a background in acting and musical theatre, it’s safe to say Yerin is a theatre kid at heart. Her first professional role in the performing arts scene was with the Sydney Theatre Company, where she played the role of Maurice in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Her most recent endeavour took her to London, where she landed the main lead in a contemporary take on Jean Genet’s The Maids.
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Her mum is her biggest fan
The acting route is no easy one but Yerin’s has been supportive with her family by her side. Her mother was present at every step of her Bridgerton audition process, from the initial screening invitation to the elating announcement when Yerin was offered her role of Bridgerton’s new lead. When asked how it felt receiving the news, Yerin shares that her mother’s response was equally overjoyed. “I was told I got the role and I started screaming. My mum came out crying because she could tell that I got it.”
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She takes her skincare routine seriously
South Koreans have long been synonymous with glowing glass skin, and Yerin is no exception. The recipe for her radiant complexion? Good habits. “I make sure I double cleanse in the evening, can’t forget that. I use a great exfoliant–Sunday Riley. And lots of water and sleep, to be honest with you,” she shares at the Bridgerton season 4 press conference.
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She's privy to a good time
The best way to let your hair down? A tipple or two. Amidst back-to-back rehearsals and being thrust into the enchanting Bridgerton world, the actress still leaves room in her schedule for a night out. Her go-to spot? Three Sheets in Soho London. “It’s super central, has the best dirty martinis and delicious finger food. It’s really intimate, so it’s nice and cosy,” Yerin shares.
