Top 13 Korean Cultivation + Op Mc Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

13 Novels

OP protagonists in cultivation settings eliminate the traditional struggle of advancement. Instead of grinding through bottlenecks, the MC either starts with overwhelming advantages or gains them quickly. Korean authors use this setup for pure power fantasy where the appeal is watching dominance rather than earning it.

These novels trade tension for satisfaction. You won't worry about whether the MC can overcome challenges. You'll watch them demonstrate superiority while occasionally hiding their true power for dramatic reveals. If that dynamic bores you, skip these. If it appeals, they deliver exactly what they promise.

Completed
1
TOP 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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch
4.2
(388 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I became a female character in a wuxia game I’ve played for the first time.
First Impressions
"I Am This Murim's Crazy Btch" is a wild ride, no doubt about it. This novel throws you headfirst into a world of martial arts, gender-bending, and laugh-out-loud moments. While it's not without its flaws, I found myself surprisingly entertained by the MC's chaotic journey. The premise is definitely attention-grabbing. A modern-day salaryman transmigrates into a Murim game world as the busty, overpowered character he created? Sign me up! I was immediately intrigued by the blend of modern sensibilities colliding with ancient martial arts traditions. The initial chapters set a fast pace, introdu...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
I’m the Only One Who Can’t See Ghosts
4.0
(110 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
An era where every person in the world can see ghosts. Only I cannot see ghosts.
First Impressions
I dove into "I’m the Only One Who Can’t See Ghosts" with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, given its rather unique premise. A world teeming with supernatural phenomena, psychics, and malevolent spirits, and we have a protagonist who's completely oblivious, unable to see any of it. It sounded like a recipe for either brilliant comedy or frustrating absurdity. So, how did it pan out? Initially, I was hooked by the sheer comedic potential. The idea of a completely normal guy blundering his way through a supernatural landscape, while everyone around him interprets his actions as those of a power...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Return of The Crazy Demon
4.3
(99 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Yi Zaha. The crazy demon crazy for martial arts.
First Impressions
I jumped into "The Return of The Crazy Demon" with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The premise – a regressed martial arts master with a screw or two loose – sounded like a recipe for either brilliance or disaster. Having read a significant chunk of the currently translated chapters, I can confidently say it's a bit of both, leaning heavily towards the former. Initially, I was hooked by the sheer unpredictability of the main character, Lee Zaha. He's not your typical stoic protagonist; he's genuinely unhinged, and his actions often caught me completely off guard. The first-person perspecti...
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6
#6 PICK
Top Star Lee Gun-Woo
4.2
(40 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Although he is still young, his life was full of regrets. Lee Gun-woo regains his memories from his previous life due to a car accident.
First Impressions
"Top Star Lee Gun-Woo" promised a blend of modern entertainment and cultivation, a combination that immediately piqued my interest. After diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings, appreciating certain aspects while also acknowledging some shortcomings. The initial premise is quite engaging: a down-on-his-luck aspiring musician suddenly remembers his past life as a cultivator. This sets him on a path to reclaim his dreams, but with a unique twist. The story quickly establishes Lee Gun-Woo as incredibly handsome and talented, almost to a fault. While this initially feels like a wish-fulfill...
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7
#7 PICK
Doctor’s Rebirth
4.4
(68 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
I had been abroad to do medical volunteer work, when I was swept up in a civil war. I was killed by a rebel soldier, while taking a bullet for a patient.
First Impressions
After diving into the world of "Doctor's Rebirth," I can see why it has garnered such a dedicated following. The premise itself is intriguing: a modern-day doctor reincarnated into the body of a child within a martial arts world. It's a blend of genres that, when executed well, can be incredibly captivating. Initially, I found the story a bit slow-paced, but I quickly realized this was intentional. The author takes their time to establish the world, the characters, and the unique fusion of modern medicine and murim techniques. It's a deliberate choice that ultimately pays off, allowing for a d...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Star Instructor, Master Baek
4.3
(125 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
After his qi center is destroyed, a martial arts instructor of the Blood Demon Cult is assigned to learn and research the martial arts of four captured murim masters. However, when the Cult betrays him and decides to kill him, he fights back and everyone in the Cult dies, including himself.
First Impressions
"Star Instructor, Master Baek" is a web novel that I found myself surprisingly drawn into. It's a blend of martial arts, academy life, and a touch of fantasy, all wrapped around a protagonist who's both endearing and cunning. While it has its flaws, the strengths of the story, particularly its characters and their relationships, kept me hooked. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise seemed somewhat familiar – a reincarnated protagonist with a troubled past becoming an instructor at an academy. However, it quickly became apparent that this story had a unique charm. The early chapt...
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Conclusion

OP cultivation is comfort food. The protagonist will dominate. Challenges exist to be crushed. If you want struggle and growth, look elsewhere. If you want relaxing power fantasy, these provide that experience.

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

SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

First Impressions

I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

First Impressions

I’m the Only One Who Can’t See Ghosts

First Impressions

The Return of The Crazy Demon

First Impressions

Top Star Lee Gun-Woo

First Impressions