Top 11 Trending Korean Romance Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   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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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Kidnapped Dragons

   4.6

   (1.2K ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, fantasy

   – The planet [Earth] has entered the abnormal state [Apocalypse]. – You have failed in saving the Earth.

   First Impressions

   "Kidnapped Dragons" is a web novel that really took me by surprise. With its blend of action, drama, fantasy, and even slice-of-life elements, it's a story that's hard to pin down, but ultimately rewarding. The premise itself – a regressor MC who has failed to save the world six times, now tasked with caring for young dragons – felt intriguing enough to draw me in. Initially, I was a little wary. The sheer number of tags (over 60!) made me wonder if it would be a case of too many ideas vying for attention. And, admittedly, the early chapters might not grab everyone immediately. Some readers fo...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   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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4. 

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Turning

   4.8

   (869 ratings)

   Genre: action, adult, adventure

   Yuder was a commoner Omega who rose to the top with his ability. When he woke up again after being falsely accused and executed, he was back 11 years ago before everything began.

   First Impressions

   "Turning" is a web novel that has completely captivated me. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a slow-burn romance that's worth the wait, it's easy to see why it boasts such a high rating. This isn't a quick read, but it's a deeply rewarding one. Initially, the sheer length of "Turning" was daunting. Usually, I prefer shorter stories, but something about the premise intrigued me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the world and the complex dynamic between Yuder and Kishiar. It's a story that requires patience, but it quickly becomes clear that it's going to be a...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   You’ve Got The Wrong House, Villain

   4.3

   (982 ratings)

   Genre: action, fantasy, josei

   As if it wasn’t enough for me to be reincarnated as a child in the slums, I was taken to a city of crime and became a test subject. But then, when I saw the man that came to destroy the research institute, I realized that this was the world of an angst-filled reverse harem novel.

   First Impressions

   "You've Got The Wrong House, Villain" had me intrigued from the start with its unique premise. It blends familiar tropes of reincarnation and reverse harems with a dash of sci-fi and psychological elements, which is quite the combination! While it's not without its flaws, there's definitely something captivating about this story that kept me reading. Initially, I was drawn in by the MC, Yuri. The idea of a cool, level-headed woman with superpowers, navigating a world she knows from a novel, seemed promising. The early chapters set a good pace, introducing the core characters and hinting at the...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Predatory Marriage

   4.4

   (594 ratings)

   Genre: adult, drama, fantasy

   Princess Leah wrote a su*cide note before her wedding. She was certain that she would die after the wedding night—a miserable end for a princess who had devoted her life to the country and the royal family.

   First Impressions

   "Predatory Marriage" certainly grabbed my attention with its provocative title and blend of adult romance and fantasy elements. Diving in, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype – or the criticisms. Initially, I was a bit thrown off. The story jumps right into things, and it took me a moment to get my bearings. Some have pointed out the abruptness of the timeline shift, and I can see how that could be jarring. However, I quickly found myself intrigued by Leah, the female lead, and her desire for revenge....

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Living As the Villainess Queen

   4.4

   (651 ratings)

   Genre: adult, drama, fantasy

   ‘I want to travel to a place unknown to the many…’ It was a passing wish to the weary and tired Eugene and she’d not think it’d ever come to pass… but it did. She opened her eyes and found she was sent to a novel-like world she wrote in passing and became Jin Anika, the scorned queen notorious f...

   First Impressions

   "Living As the Villainess Queen" had me intrigued from the start, promising a blend of adult themes, fantasy, and a dash of that classic villainess isekai twist. After diving in, I've found it to be a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by some noticeable shortcomings. The initial hook is strong: a protagonist transmigrating into a novel she wrote, only to suffer from amnesia regarding the plot. This concept, while interesting, seems to be a major sticking point for some. I can see why; it does feel a bit odd that she's so clueless about her own creation. However, the world-buil...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   God of Cooking

   4.4

   (685 ratings)

   Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy

   30-year-old Jo Minjoon has always wanted to become a chef. He started his culinary career late in life, however, and is currently chopping onions at a restaurant.

   First Impressions

   "God of Cooking" promised a delicious blend of cooking, romance, and a second chance, and honestly, it largely delivered. With a solid 4.4/5 rating, it's clear this novel has resonated with a lot of readers, including me. Initially, I was a little wary. The "game elements" tag made me think it might be another stat-obsessed story, but thankfully, that wasn't the case. The system is present, but it felt more like a tool than a crutch for the main character (MC). It's well-integrated, not awkward, and, as the MC grows, he relies on it less. The initial chapters felt like a tasty appetizer, setti...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

   4.4

   (718 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   On the way to a company workshop, we fell into a world of immortal cultivators while still in the car. Those with spiritual roots and unique abilities were all called to join cultivation sects, living prosperously.

   First Impressions

   "A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation" is quite the ride, a Korean take on the xianxia genre with a unique flavor. The premise is intriguing: a group of ordinary folks get isekai'd into a cultivation world, and our MC, unlike his colleagues, discovers his talent is regression upon his death. It's a blend of action, adventure, drama, and a whole lot more, making for a complex story. Initially, I found myself drawn to the story. The early focus on martial arts, before the cultivation aspects really kicked in, was a breath of fresh air. I appreciated the detailed explanations and the unique system t...

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10. 

    10

    #10 PICK

    Top Management

    4.6

    (622 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, drama, romance

    Jung Sunwoo was an ordinary man with big dreams. He had just landed his first job at W&U, a celebrity management company, and envisioned himself managing a world-famous actor or actress.

    First Impressions

    "Top Management" initially caught my eye with its premise: a cinephile turned manager gaining precognitive abilities in the cutthroat Korean entertainment industry. I dove in, and while it wasn't exactly what I expected, I found it to be a compelling and unique read. The setup is definitely intriguing. Our protagonist isn't some overpowered genius, but a regular guy thrown into extraordinary circumstances. His visions of the future are unpredictable, which creates a constant sense of tension and uncertainty. I appreciated that the story didn't rely on clichés like rebirth or reincarnation, opt...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    A Villain’s Will to Survive

    4.1

    (1.1K ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, drama

    The middle boss of the AAA-class game produced by the company. The villain who dies 999 times out of 1,000 times.

    First Impressions

    "A Villain's Will to Survive" had me hooked initially with its intriguing premise: a game designer transmigrating into the body of Deculein, the villain of his own game. The blend of action, comedy, and psychological elements promised a wild ride, and for a while, it delivered. However, like many journeys, this one had its share of bumps along the road. I was immediately drawn in by the world-building and the concept of navigating death flags. Deculein is a compelling character, especially with the initial struggle to reconcile his own personality with the villainous persona he's inherited. Th...

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