Top 11 Korean Fantasy Novels with Cunning Protagonist in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   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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2. 

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Dungeon Defense

   4.5

   (3.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, ecchi

   Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.

   First Impressions

   Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   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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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   I am the Monarch

   4.2

   (1.1K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   Roan ran away 20 years ago from his rural village in the aim of becoming a Great General. However, all he got 20 years later was just a handful of money and the lowly position of squad commander of the First Legion’s.

   First Impressions

   "I am the Monarch" is a web novel that initially grabbed my attention with its premise: a soldier gets a second chance at life, armed with the knowledge of the future. The blend of action, adventure, and kingdom-building elements promised an engaging read, and for a while, it delivered. The early chapters pulled me in with the classic reincarnation trope, but with a twist. It wasn’t just about knowing what was going to happen; it was about how the protagonist, Roan, would use that knowledge to forge a different path. The initial focus on military strategy and character development was definite...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Ending Maker

   4.5

   (991 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Two heroes of the game Legend of Heroes 2 who were rotten waters*. Kang Jin-ho in the first place and Hong Yoo Hee in the second place.

   First Impressions

   "Ending Maker" promised a fun ride through a familiar yet twisted reincarnation story, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a story where two gamers find themselves inside the world of their favorite game, armed with meta-knowledge and a chance to avert a looming apocalypse. Right off the bat, I was drawn in by the dynamic between Jude and Cordelia. The initial chapters are filled with quirky banter and humorous situations as they navigate their new reality. Their relationship starts off as a rivalry friendship, and watching them plan, support each other, and grow together is genuinely en...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   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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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor

   4.3

   (1.8K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   The man forsaken by the world, the man a s*ave to money and the man known as the legendary God of War in the highly popular MMORPG Continent of Magic. With the coming of age, he decides to say goodbye, but the feeble attempt to earn a little something for his time and effort ripples into an effe...

   First Impressions

   "The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor" is a web novel that I finally decided to dive into after hearing about it for years. It's a sprawling story, and while I found aspects to enjoy, I also encountered some frustrations along the way. It's a mixed bag, but one that has some real gems hidden inside. Initially, I was hooked by the VRMMORPG setting and the promise of adventure. The main character, Weed (also known as Lee Hyun), is certainly unique. He's driven by a need for money, stemming from a difficult past, and his single-minded focus creates some genuinely funny situations. The early chapters ...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

   4.3

   (1.2K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   I am dying to have a Class S Skill! ..

   First Impressions

   SSS-Class Suide Hunter… what a title! I dove into this web novel with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, given the rather intense premise. It's a story that seems to polarize readers, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others finding it deeply flawed. So, what did I think? Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed. The early chapters are a whirlwind of information, and the main character, Kim Gong-ja, isn't exactly the most likeable guy. He's envious, obsessive, and driven by a desire for revenge. However, I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did because the initial chaos gives way to something fa...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 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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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Running Away From The Hero!

    4.6

    (601 ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, fantasy

    After living for a long time in a fantasy world, I ended up becoming a villain! Whilst I beat up both bad guys and good guys as a villain, the legendary hero appeared in front of me.

    First Impressions

    "Running Away From The Hero!" is a breath of fresh air in the reincarnation genre. It's a wild ride that had me laughing from the get-go. The premise alone is enough to pique anyone's interest: a reincarnated nobody ends up as an instructor for an evil organization, training future heroes (or villains, depending on your perspective). I was immediately hooked by the fact that the story jumps straight into the action. No tedious childhood phase here! We're thrown right into Naruan's life as a 40-year-old instructor, and I appreciated the lack of drawn-out exposition. The initial point of view fr...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    Fated to Be Loved by Villains

    4.2

    (456 ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, fantasy

    I was proposed to by the Final Boss.

    First Impressions

    "Fated to Be Loved by Villains" is a wild ride of a web novel, and my feelings toward it are definitely mixed. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a protagonist reincarnated into a game, destined to be adored by villainous women. It's a setup ripe with potential for both comedy and intense romance, and for a while, it delivers on that promise. Initially, I was hooked. The idea of a seemingly ordinary guy attracting the attention of powerful, dangerous women is compelling. The early chapters do a good job of establishing the world and the protagonist's initial desire to live a peaceful life, ...

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