Top 15 Korean Academy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

15 Novels

Korean academy novels put characters in competitive educational environments where rankings matter and political maneuvering happens alongside combat training. The setting provides natural structure for progression since academic years create clear milestones and peer groups offer built-in rivals and allies.

Many Korean academy stories feature regression protagonists who return to their student days with future knowledge. This creates interesting dynamics since they know which classmates become important later and can position themselves accordingly. The academy format also works well for introducing large casts gradually and showing power growth through class rankings and evaluations. The formula can feel repetitive across multiple series, but well-executed entries use the structure to support rather than replace storytelling.

1
TOP PICK
The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times
5.0
(2 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
The illegitimate child despised by the ducal family, a shut-in who never left his room, a gloomy good-for-nothing student. I had possessed a background character who was fated to die before the scenario even began.
First Impressions
"The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times" certainly grabs your attention with its title! The premise of a time-looping protagonist stuck in a deadly academy is instantly intriguing. I went in expecting a dark, action-packed fantasy, and the initial chapters definitely delivered on that promise. The mystery surrounding the "doomed" aspect kept me hooked, eager to uncover the secrets behind the protagonist's repeated deaths. The core concept of the time loop is executed pretty well. I appreciate how the author uses each loop to slowly unravel the mysteries of the academy and the ...
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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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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Novel’s Extra
4.2
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Waking up, Kim Hajin finds himself in a familiar world but an unfamiliar body. A world he created himself and a story he wrote, yet never finished.
First Impressions
"The Novel's Extra" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a familiar yet twisted world: that of a struggling author transmigrated into his own creation. The premise alone had me hitting "read," and while the journey had its ups and downs, it definitely left an impression. The initial chapters hooked me with the novelty of the setup. Our protagonist, a somewhat unremarkable author, finds himself not as the hero, but as a forgettable extra in the very novel he penned. This subversion of the typical isekai trope was refreshing. I was eager to see how he'd navigate a world he thought he kn...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat
4.4
(730 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
“I really feel like having one of those special macarons from the cafeteria today. You think you could get me one?
First Impressions
"Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat" is a novel that took me by surprise. Initially, I went in expecting a lighthearted academy romp, but what I found was a much darker, more complex story that left a lasting impression. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, and definitely not for the faint of heart. At first, the story felt like a typical isekai, with the protagonist reincarnated into a novel they once read. The academy setting and superpower elements initially felt generic. However, as I delved deeper, the narrative revealed a much more intricate world, fraught with danger and hidden depths...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Main Heroines are Trying to Kill Me
4.2
(813 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, harem
To save the hopeless Dark Fantasy World, I held back my tears and destroyed the world, then killed the Demon King and returned. Now, I’m trying to save the world using the “System” I gained as a “Regressor’s Privilege”… But the Main Heroines have also awakened their own memories of the previous ...
First Impressions
"The Main Heroines are Trying to Kill Me" is a wild ride, to say the least. Jumping into this novel, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I emerged on the other side both emotionally drained and strangely satisfied. It's a story that plays with your heartstrings, and while it doesn't always hit the mark perfectly, the overall experience is undeniably memorable. Initially, the premise grabbed me. The idea of a protagonist forced to act as a villain to achieve a greater good, while simultaneously dealing with heroines who genuinely want him dead, is intriguing. The early chapters did a solid ...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter
4.3
(611 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I possessed the weakest character in my favorite game’s Hell Mode. I want to survive, but the way the main character is being controlled is atrocious.
First Impressions
"The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its somewhat generic-sounding title. It's a story about a protagonist who finds himself in a game world, specifically an academy setting, with a unique power that makes him incredibly strong against demons but leaves him vulnerable otherwise. Here's my take after absorbing the general sentiment around the novel. Initially, the premise felt familiar – another isekai with a system and an academy setting. Some readers might be instantly turned off by this, and I un...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Fated to Be Loved by Villains
4.2
(456 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
I was proposed to by the Final Boss.
First Impressions
"Fated to Be Loved by Villains" is a wild ride of a web novel, and my feelings toward it are definitely mixed. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a protagonist reincarnated into a game, destined to be adored by villainous women. It's a setup ripe with potential for both comedy and intense romance, and for a while, it delivers on that promise. Initially, I was hooked. The idea of a seemingly ordinary guy attracting the attention of powerful, dangerous women is compelling. The early chapters do a good job of establishing the world and the protagonist's initial desire to live a peaceful life, ...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?
4.4
(463 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
She possessed a villainess who is known and hated for her evil acts in an unpopular novel. But because of her personality, it was extremely difficult for her to play the villainess role.
First Impressions
"Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?" promised a fun twist on the villainess trope, and for the most part, it delivered a lighthearted and engaging read. I went in expecting a cunning protagonist and found myself pleasantly surprised by the comedic undertones and focus on personal growth. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a protagonist deciding to embrace a "villainess" persona after realizing her pushover tendencies in a past life. The early chapters were promising, showcasing her attempts to navigate this new role while grappling with her own insecurities. It felt relatable and...
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Completed
9
#9 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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Conclusion

Academy settings in Korean novels tend toward action and progression focus. If you want pure romance or slice-of-life academy stories, Japanese entries might suit you better. These rankings favor Korean academy novels that use the setting effectively for plot and character development.

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

The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

The Novel’s Extra

First Impressions

Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat

First Impressions

The Main Heroines are Trying to Kill Me

First Impressions

The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter

First Impressions

Fated to Be Loved by Villains

First Impressions