Top 13 Korean Martial Arts Novels with Weak To Strong in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

13 Novels

The weak-to-strong tag is almost redundant in Korean martial arts novels since most protagonists start at the bottom anyway. But there's a difference between stories where the MC gets strong quickly and those that genuinely milk the underdog phase. The latter spend hundreds of chapters on the grind, making every realm breakthrough feel significant.

Korean authors handle progression differently than Korean ones. Korean novels often use game systems for clear metrics. Korean martial arts stories prefer vaguer "comprehension" and "enlightenment" milestones. Whether that appeals to you depends on if you want spreadsheet-style stats or more philosophical power scaling.

Completed
1
TOP 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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Return of Mount Hua Sect
4.5
(448 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The 13th generation disciple of the Great Mount Hua Sect. One of the Three Great Swordsmen.
First Impressions
"Return of Mount Hua Sect" is a wild ride through the wuxia world, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much love. It's a story about Chung Myung, an old ancestor reincarnated into the declining Mount Hua Sect, and his hilarious, often chaotic, journey to restore it to its former glory. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise is familiar – reincarnation, martial arts, a fallen sect – but the execution is what sets this novel apart. It’s a blend of action, adventure, and laugh-out-loud comedy, with a surprising amount of depth lurking beneath the surface. The first few cha...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Breakers
4.1
(777 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
My name is Joo In-gong. The name that my parents gave me meant ‘protagonist’ of the world.
First Impressions
"Breakers" is a web novel that I found to be a mixed bag, but ultimately an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, read. It has an interesting premise, with a protagonist transported into the world of his favorite game, but the execution has both high points and some definite drawbacks. Initially, I was hooked by the idea of someone using their meta-knowledge to change the fate of a weak character. The early chapters set up a world with potential, and the protagonist's "Protagonist Correction" skill was a fun twist. It felt like a fresh take on the familiar isekai trope. However, as I read further, I ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Childhood Friend of the Zenith
4.2
(475 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Gu Yangcheon commited a lot of evil while serving the Heavenly Demon. But now Heavenly Demon was dead and Yangcheon became a prisoner of ‘Celestial Sword’ Wi Seol-Ah, the heroine who vanquished his master.
First Impressions
"Childhood Friend of the Zenith" promised a blend of martial arts, regression, and a touch of the demonic, so I dove in eager to see what it offered. After spending some time with it, here are my impressions. The initial premise is definitely intriguing. We have Gu Yangcheon, a former subordinate of the Heavenly Demon, reborn with a chance to rewrite his past. The regret and drama hinted at in the early chapters definitely grabbed my attention, and the idea of a protagonist grappling with past sins while navigating a new life is compelling. I was hooked immediately into the story....
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6
#6 PICK
The Narrow-Eyed Villain of the Demon Academy
4.0
(354 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The worst and strongest villain. I became the narrow-eyed character Arsene Adel.
First Impressions
Okay, so I jumped into "The Narrow-Eyed Villain of the Demon Academy" with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The premise – a web novel author transmigrating into his own creation as the villain – is undeniably intriguing. I was immediately curious to see how he'd navigate a world he built, especially with the knowledge of future events. The initial chapters definitely had a hook, drawing me into the protagonist's struggle for survival in a demon-dominated world where he's essentially an outcast. One of the strongest aspects, for me, was the potential for character development. Several reade...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Rebirth of The Heavenly Demon (Jang Young Hun)
4.3
(210 ratings)
Genre: action, martial arts, mature
After defeating all the enemies of the Murim Alliance, the Demonic Alliance and the internal enemies; Cheon Hajin, the master of the Murim Alliance who held the title Strongest Under Heaven brought forth peace to all of Kang Ho. But one day he dies unexpectedly.
First Impressions
"Rebirth of The Heavenly Demon" presents a unique take on the reincarnation trope, and honestly, I've found myself quite engrossed in its world. It's a martial arts story at its heart, but it's the protagonist's maturity and the slow-burn plot that really sets it apart. Initially, I was a bit wary. Some readers found the beginning clichéd, pointing out the familiar "engagement cancellation" plotline and a seemingly unlikeable young master. I'll admit, those first few chapters didn't immediately grab me, but I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did. The initial setup serves as a springboa...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy
4.3
(299 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
“You pathetic orc~ You can’t even take down a little girl? ” You’ve become a mesugaki character in an academy game.
First Impressions
"Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its quirky premise: a guy transmigrated into his game character, a girl with an uncontrollable urge to speak like a bratty child. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy set within an academy setting, and I've found myself both charmed and frustrated by it. The initial chapters are undeniably fun. The concept of a protagonist forced to say the most antagonizing things, regardless of intent, is hilarious. It's a unique spin on the isekai trope and had me hooked from the start. I was eager to see how ...
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Conclusion

Fair warning: weak-to-strong is a slow burn by definition. If you want immediate power fantasy, this might not be your subgenre. But if watching a protagonist struggle and earn every advantage sounds appealing, these deliver on that premise.

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

The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor

First Impressions

SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

First Impressions

Return of Mount Hua Sect

First Impressions

Breakers

First Impressions

Childhood Friend of the Zenith

First Impressions

The Narrow-Eyed Villain of the Demon Academy

First Impressions