Bridgerton Season 4: Benedict's Romance with Sophie Baek Takes Center Stage
Warning: This article contains major plot details and spoilers for 'Bridgerton' Season 4. If you haven't watched the latest season yet and want to avoid spoilers, we recommend stopping here.
A New Leading Romance Emerges
The highly anticipated fourth season of Netflix's period drama Bridgerton has officially premiered, shifting the spotlight to Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson. This season marks Benedict's long-awaited romantic arc, giving him his own headline romance that forms the emotional core of the narrative. The eight-episode season, which debuted on January 29, adapts its central plot from Julia Quinn's novel An Offer From a Gentleman, continuing the show's tradition of weaving romance with social commentary.
The Class-Defying Love Story of Benedict and Sophie
This season introduces a compelling new character, Sophie Baek, who becomes Benedict's central love interest. Their relationship unfolds as a fairy-tale-leaning romance that immediately captures audience attention. Sophie enters the story at Violet Bridgerton's masquerade ball, where Benedict first encounters her while she is mysteriously disguised as "the Lady in Silver." This initial meeting sets the stage for a romance built on longing, secrecy, and significant risk.
As the season progresses, viewers discover that Sophie lives a difficult life working as a maid under harsh conditions, carrying a complicated past that adds depth to her character. The class divide between Benedict's aristocratic background and Sophie's working-class reality creates powerful tension, turning their connection into a class-defying romance that challenges Regency-era social norms. The platform centers this season on big emotions and real consequences, maintaining the show's signature blend of romance shaped by class, secrecy, and personal transformation.
Continuity Within the Bridgerton Universe
Bridgerton Season 4 continues the narrative tradition established in earlier seasons, following a similar path to stories previously centered on characters like Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. The series remains rooted in the sprawling Bridgerton family dynamics while exploring how romance intersects with social pressure, family expectations, and personal growth. This season particularly emphasizes how relationships can transform individuals and challenge societal structures, keeping viewers engaged with its familiar yet fresh approach to period romance.
Meet Yerin Ha: The Actress Behind Sophie Baek
Australian actress Yerin Ha brings Sophie Baek to life as the female lead of Season 4. Interestingly, while Julia Quinn's original novel features the character as Sophie Beckett, the show renamed her Sophie Baek to reflect Yerin's Korean heritage. Born to South Korean parents, Yerin comes from a notable family—her grandmother, Son Sook, is a well-known Korean actress and politician.
Yerin began her professional acting career in 2019 and has since appeared in several television series including Reef Break, Troppo, Halo, Bad Behaviour, and The Survivors. Her talent has earned her recognition within the industry, with the Casting Guild of Australia naming her a Rising Star in 2021. More recently, Forbes included Yerin on its prestigious 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in the Entertainment and Sports category, highlighting her growing influence in the entertainment world.
Beyond the Screen: Yerin Ha's Expanding Influence
Off-screen, Yerin Ha has cultivated a strong presence in the K-beauty space, regularly sharing skincare content with a sizable and engaged audience. Her role as Sophie Baek in Bridgerton Season 4 provides her with a significantly larger platform, introducing her talent to viewers worldwide and solidifying her position as an emerging international star. The series not only showcases her acting abilities but also amplifies her voice in beauty and lifestyle conversations.
Audience interest has surged since the season's release, with viewers eagerly discussing Sophie's character development, the chemistry between Benedict and Sophie, and how this new romance fits within the broader Bridgerton universe. The season successfully balances familiar elements that fans love with fresh storytelling that keeps the franchise evolving.
