One of Korea’s most unforgettable vampire families is making a comeback.
Nearly 20 years after the beloved MBC Drama “Hello, Francesca” came to an end, its quirky vampire universe is returning in a new spin-off “Francesca Next Door”
The upcoming project will reinvent the franchise as a teen vampire romantic comedy set in a Korean school in 2026. The 120-minute mid-form drama will introduce a new generation of characters while keeping the supernatural world that made the original series such a cult favorite.
Meet the New Generation of Vampires
Han Su Ah will take the lead as Pi Na Young, a young vampire secretly living among humans. Although Na Young tries to blend in and live like an ordinary high school student, keeping her true identity hidden may prove more complicated than she expected.
Kim Hyun Jin will play Jang Woo Joo, a model student whose biggest goal is getting into medical school. Lee Seung Gyu joins them as Yoo Hyul, a mysterious vampire who suddenly enters their lives and threatens to shake up Na Young’s carefully constructed human existence.
Together, the three characters will bring a fresh coming-of-age story to the “Hello, Francesca” universe, mixing first love, growing pains, comedy, and a supernatural twist.
Familiar Faces Are Coming Back Too
Longtime fans have even more reason to be excited.
Several familiar faces from the original sitcom are expected to return, including Shim Hye Jin as Francesca, Park Seul Gi as Sophia, and Park Hee Jin as the unforgettable Anseongdaek.
Most notably, Shim Hye Jin will step back into the role of Francesca for the first time in approximately 20 years, helping connect the original story with this new chapter while bringing plenty of nostalgia for longtime viewers.
Why “Hello, Francesca” Became a Cult Classic
First premiering on MBC in January 2005, “Hello, Francesca” followed a group of vampires who leave Romania and unexpectedly find themselves building a life in Korea.
Far from a traditional vampire story, the sitcom became known for its eccentric characters, dark humor, unconventional family dynamic, and sharp social satire. Its distinctive style helped the series develop a devoted fanbase, and even two decades later, it continues to be remembered as one of MBC’s most unique sitcoms.
The new spin-off will be directed by Park Sang Woo, who previously worked on “When the Phone Rings,” with a script by rising writer Lee Myung Hoon. MBC and CAC Corporation are jointly producing the project.
With original cast members returning and a completely new generation of vampires stepping into the spotlight, “Francesca Next Door” looks ready to introduce the wonderfully strange world of “Hello, Francesca” to a whole new audience.
The spin-off “Francesca Next Door,” is currently expected to premiere in late 2026 and you can watch it on KOCOWA+.
