‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Rising Star Yerin Ha Explains Why Sophie’s Last Name Was Changed and Why It Matters

As Bridgerton Season 4 continues to capture global attention, actress Yerin Ha has opened up about a subtle but meaningful change made to her character Sophie one that goes beyond storytelling and speaks directly to representation.

A Name That Reflects Identity

In Julia Quinn’s original novels, the character is known as Sophie Beckett. In Netflix’s adaptation, however, Sophie’s surname has been changed to Baek, a decision made to reflect Yerin Ha’s Korean heritage. According to the actress, it was a choice that carried both personal and symbolic weight.

Speaking in a recent interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Yerin explained why the change resonated so deeply with her. “A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world,” she said. “That’s why changing a name can be so powerful.”

For Yerin, seeing Sophie’s name adjusted to better reflect someone who looks like her was not just thoughtful it was empowering. She credited Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell for recognizing the importance of that decision. “To make Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering,” Yerin added. “All credit to Jess Brownell.”

A Collaborative Choice

Rather than a top down decision, the name change was a collaborative process. Yerin revealed that Brownell actively involved her when choosing Sophie’s new surname, asking about Korean last names that begin with the letter “B” to maintain continuity with the books.

After discussions, they settled on Baek, a surname that felt both authentic and natural within the world of the show. “It’s a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold,” Yerin said. “It’s amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me.”

A Broader Approach to Representation

Sophie’s name change is part of a larger pattern within Bridgerton. The series has previously adjusted character surnames to honor actors’ cultural backgrounds—most notably when Kate and Edwina Sheffield became the Sharma sisters in Season 2.

Season 4 continues that approach. Araminta’s surname was shortened from Gunningworth to Gun, while Rosamund and Posy’s surname was changed from Reiling to Li, reflecting the East Asian heritage of actors Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Katie Leung also shared that the cast was offered the option to include Cantonese dialogue in the story an opportunity presented without pressure. “The offer wasn’t forced, but was there if we wanted it,” she said. “Those little nods make all the difference.”

Small Changes, Lasting Impact

For Yerin Ha, the surname Baek represents more than a detail on a script. It reflects a production environment where identity is acknowledged, respected, and thoughtfully woven into the narrative.