Top 13 Korean Regression + Revenge Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

13 Novels

Regression plus revenge is a potent combination. The protagonist knows exactly who wronged them and now has the power to prevent it or strike back. Korean authors tend to make these betrayals personal and severe, often involving murdered family members or destroyed sects. The emotional stakes run higher than typical progression fantasy.

The format does risk becoming formulaic. Hunt down enemy A, then B, then C. The better novels vary the revenge methods or complicate the protagonist's moral position. I've noticed Korean regression stories often take longer to execute their revenge arcs than Korean equivalents, with more buildup before the payoff.

1
TOP PICK
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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2
RUNNER UP
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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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Necromancer Survival
4.3
(350 ratings)
Genre: adventure, drama, fantasy
Sometime after ‘Gates’ appeared in this world, humanity was divided into two: [User] and [ordinary human beings] . Lee-kyung was able to awaken into a user and choose a [Class] …but, in momentary misjudgement, chose to be a [Necromancer] , the worst of all classes.
First Impressions
I've been diving into the world of "Necromancer Survival," and I have to say, it's been quite a ride. With a solid 4.3/5 rating from a good number of voters, I was curious to see what all the buzz was about. It's definitely a web novel that carves out its own niche, and whether you love it or hate it seems to depend on what you're looking for in a story. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise: a seemingly ordinary guy, Choi Yikyung, thrust into a dangerous world of dungeons and rankers with the less-than-stellar class of Necromancer. The early chapters focus heavily on world-building, estab...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
How to Live as the Enemy Prince
4.4
(404 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
I could hear the hum of life in my ears. It was hard to breathe….
First Impressions
"How to Live as the Enemy Prince" immediately grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise: a soldier reborn as the prince of the very kingdom he fought against. It's a setup ripe with potential for political intrigue, personal conflict, and a whole lot of clever maneuvering, and from what I've read, it largely delivers. The initial chapters are captivating, throwing you right into Calian's (formerly Bern's) struggle for survival. He's weak, vulnerable, and a target, which creates immediate tension. I found myself quickly invested in his plight and eager to see how he'd use his past knowle...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
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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7
#7 PICK
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
8
#8 PICK
The Man’s Perfect Wife
4.3
(541 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, drama
The foundation of South Korea’s high society is money, power, and marriage. His marriage was considered a mere ‘contract’ between the fathers.
First Impressions
"The Man's Perfect Wife" is a whirlwind of passion, drama, and secrets. I dove in expecting a typical arranged marriage trope, but I was quickly proven wrong. This story grabs you from the prologue and doesn't let go until the epilogue. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of some steamy scenes, and I wasn’t disappointed. The summary hints at a marriage of convenience between Min Yuan and Seo JoonHun, seemingly destined to fall apart. However, the author quickly subverts expectations, revealing a much darker and more complex plot involving family secrets and revenge. The initial chapters a...
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Conclusion

If you want cathartic revenge fantasy, this list delivers. Just be aware that some entries prioritize the satisfaction of payback over nuanced character development. That's not necessarily a flaw if you know what you're signing up for.

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.

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We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

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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.

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Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

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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

Dungeon Defense

First Impressions

Turning

First Impressions

Predatory Marriage

First Impressions

Necromancer Survival

First Impressions

How to Live as the Enemy Prince

First Impressions

The Baby Raising A Devil

First Impressions