Top 11 Korean Romance Novels with Reincarnation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

11 Novels

Reincarnation gives romance novels a useful narrative engine. The protagonist knows how things went wrong the first time, so now they can pursue different choices, avoid bad endings, and sometimes fall for entirely different people. Korean authors have really embraced this setup, often pairing it with noble society intrigue or villainess redemption arcs.

The formula works because it creates built-in tension. The MC has information advantages but can't always change everything, and sometimes their attempts at manipulation backfire in interesting ways. The stronger entries here use reincarnation to add depth rather than just making things easy for the protagonist.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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
2
RUNNER UP
Lucia
4.4
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, fantasy
Lucia grew up not knowing she was a princess. But when her mother died, she entered the palace and had the chance to see her entire future in a dream.
First Impressions
"Lucia" is a web novel that really took me on a rollercoaster. With its mix of adult themes, fantasy elements, and a central romance, it definitely has a lot going on. After diving in and absorbing various reader opinions, I've got a pretty good handle on what makes this story tick, both for good and for ill. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise of a protagonist trying to navigate a pre-determined fate. The tags promised a complex story with character growth and a mature tone. However, some readers found the world-building lacking and the initial plot points to be somewhat weak, especiall...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Baby Raising A Devil
4.4
(409 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Three regressions, 4th life. Although she was prophesied and raised as the child of fate, she was sacrificed when the real child of fate appears.
First Impressions
"The Baby Raising A Devil" had me hooked from the get-go with its intriguing premise. A multi-reincarnated protagonist, a loving family, and a dash of villainy? Count me in! I've dived into the available chapters, and here are my thoughts. Initially, the translation quality was a hurdle. I saw some readers mention this, and I agree that some of the earlier chapters felt a bit rough around the edges. Thankfully, the translation seems to have improved significantly, making the story much more enjoyable. The promotional manhwa definitely piqued my interest, and I'm glad I stuck around to see the ...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Reborn as a Prophet in a Horror Movie
4.3
(131 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, horror
I’ve come back to life as a prophet in a B-grade horror film that bombed at the box office in the summer of 1999 and faded into obscurity. Luckily, I managed to survive, not as the female lead who witnesses all the horrors, nor as the handsome male lead who you’d expect to survive but tragically...
First Impressions
"Reborn as a Prophet in a Horror Movie" promised a wild ride, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivers a unique and often terrifying experience. This isn't your typical power-fantasy reincarnation story, and that's precisely what makes it so compelling. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a protagonist reborn with prophetic abilities into a world mirroring classic horror movies. The first arc, heavily inspired by the slasher genre, throws you right into the thick of things. It felt like stepping into a B-movie, complete with familiar tropes and a palpable sense of dread....
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain
4.4
(186 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
The protagonist of a war fantasy novel, Theo, competes with his rival and antagonist, Luke, for the position of Supreme Commander. Having been reincarnated into Luke’s role, he struggles to fulfill his duties as the villain.
First Impressions
"I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain" promised a clever protagonist embracing his role as the antagonist. While the initial premise hooked me, my experience was a bit of a rollercoaster, mirroring some of the sentiments I've seen from other readers. I was immediately drawn in by the concept: a transmigrator determined to play the villain to set the stage for the ML's success. The early chapters delivered on this, with a sharp, witty MC and intriguing military setting reminiscent of "Tanya the Evil," although distinctly different. I found Luke's initial interactions and calculated decisions ...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Adonis
4.4
(273 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
“You were my enemy who always defeated me, but you were also a pretty good companion. ” “Shut up!
First Impressions
"Adonis" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It's a blend of action, drama, fantasy, and romance, with a strong female lead at its core. While it's not without its flaws, the overall experience has been quite captivating. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a well-developed world and a strong female protagonist. The story starts with Ianna, a reincarnated character who has a lot of baggage from her past life. It took a bit to get my bearings, as the story dives deep into her history and the world's lo...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
I Don’t Want To Be An Ojakgyo
4.3
(365 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, harem
I was reincarnated as the supporting character of a novel. As a wingwoman in a depressing romance novel titled at that.
First Impressions
"I Don't Want To Be An Ojakgyo" is a story I initially approached with caution. The title and premise suggested a typical transmigration-into-a-novel scenario, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity I found. While it has its flaws, it's ultimately a charming and engaging read. The story follows our protagonist, who, armed with memories of a past life where she read the novel she's now living in, becomes laser-focused on financial security. This drives her to enroll in a magic knight academy, befriends several of the original male leads, and even develops a secret identity a...
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Conclusion

This is a smaller version of the top 17 list, filtered for slightly higher quality. If you've already gone through that one, you've probably seen these titles. For newcomers to Korean reincarnation romance, starting here gives you the more consistently well-regarded options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings combine reader ratings (40%), popularity metrics (25%), engagement data (20%), and editorial review (15%). We update rankings quarterly to reflect the latest reader sentiments.

The best romance novels excel in their genre-specific elements while delivering compelling characters and plots. Reader satisfaction and re-readability are key factors in our selection.

Many Korean novels on this list have quality translations available. We prioritize novels with accessible English versions while noting translation quality in our assessments.

We update our rankings quarterly throughout 2026 to incorporate new releases, changing reader preferences, and updated rating data.

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

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

First Impressions

Lucia

First Impressions

The Baby Raising A Devil

First Impressions

Reborn as a Prophet in a Horror Movie

First Impressions

I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain

First Impressions