Top 11 Completed Korean Mystery Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

11 Novels

Completed mysteries are worth seeking out specifically because the genre depends so heavily on resolution. An unfinished mystery novel is a fundamentally different reading experience, and not in a good way. Korean mystery writers tend to construct their plots carefully, planting clues and red herrings that only make sense once you reach the ending, so completion status matters here more than in most genres.

These novels range from detective procedurals to psychological thrillers to supernatural mysteries. Korean authors often blend genres, so you might find cultivation elements or regression mechanics mixed in with the core mystery. The completed filter ensures you'll get actual answers to whatever questions the story raises.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
4.6
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Kim Dok-Ja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels.
First Impressions
"Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s the type of story that grabs you and refuses to let go, throwing you headfirst into a world that's both familiar and utterly bizarre. Overall, I found it a compelling read, although not without its quirks. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a lone reader, Kim Dokja, finds himself living in the world of the web novel he’s obsessed over for a decade. The world is transported to his, and he now has the immense knowledge of how it will end, or so he thinks. It's a fantastic setup t...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work
4.8
(706 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
NOW HIRING — URGENT — Ghost Story Specialist Corporation Daydream Inc. (Ltd.
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work." This web novel has been quite the ride, blending horror, comedy, and a healthy dose of office satire. I went in expecting a spooky adventure, and I definitely got that, but it was the unique blend of genres and the intriguing protagonist that really hooked me. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The premise seemed interesting enough – a guy gets thrown into ghost stories but still has to deal with the daily grind. It felt a bit like a supernatural SCP Foundation meets Dilbert, which is a weird combo, but it...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Debut or Die
4.7
(547 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, mystery
A student who had been preparing for the Civil Service examination for 4 years suddenly found himself in an unfamiliar body, 3 years in the past. Along with it came a status window displaying a threat right before his eyes!
First Impressions
"Debut or Die" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated following. This novel plunges you headfirst into the cutthroat world of K-pop, complete with a protagonist who's seen it all (and sold the photos to prove it!). The premise alone is enough to grab your attention: a man wakes up in the body of someone who has committed suicide and is forced by a mysterious system to debut as an idol or, well, die. It's a dark premise that balances well with the often light-hearted nature of the idol industry. I was immediately hooked by the unique blend of genres. The story bala...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die
4.8
(282 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I suddenly found myself dropped into a fantasy kingdom story. But what’s the status of my scenario importance?
First Impressions
"If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die" is a wild ride that I'm so glad I decided to jump on. With a near-perfect rating and a sprawling storyline, I was intrigued, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it's so beloved. It's a unique blend of genres, and the execution is what really makes it shine. Initially, the title and summary made me think this would be another run-of-the-mill transmigration story. You know, the kind where the protagonist just clings to the main character for survival. But boy, was I wrong! From the get-go, the author throws you into a world brimming ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Everyone Else is a Returnee
4.3
(3.5K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Yu Ilhan was always the one left behind. Left out of cliques in school.
First Impressions
"Everyone Else is a Returnee" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its high overall rating and diverse range of reader opinions. It’s a story about a protagonist left behind on Earth while everyone else is transported to another world to train for a coming apocalypse. The premise is intriguing and promises a unique take on familiar tropes, but does it deliver? Here's my take. Initially, I was hooked by the concept. A loner, overlooked by the divine, gains immense power through sheer dedication and hard work. It's a classic underdog story with a twist....
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
The Regressed Demon Lord is Kind
4.3
(703 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
My whole life, all I wanted was power. I churned the world into rivers of blood and eventually gained the title, ‘Demon Lord of Strength’.
First Impressions
"The Regressed Demon Lord is Kind" is a web novel that certainly took me for a ride. Going in, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I came away with a generally positive impression, though not without a few reservations. Initially, the premise felt somewhat familiar: a regressed protagonist aiming to live a kinder life. However, it quickly became apparent that the author was playing with expectations. The "kindness" in the title should probably be in quotes, as the main character, Zich, has a rather... unique interpretation of the concept. It’s more about beating up bad guys in the name of ...
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Conclusion

Mystery is underrepresented in Korean web novels compared to fantasy or romance, which makes completed entries relatively rare. The selections here have proven endings that actually deliver on their setups. If a specific subtype interests you more, check whether it leans toward crime fiction, supernatural elements, or psychological focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

First Impressions

Debut or Die

First Impressions

If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die

First Impressions

Everyone Else is a Returnee

First Impressions