Top 15 Korean Romance Novels with Cunning Protagonist in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

15 Novels

Cunning protagonists in Korean romance often means characters working around social obstacles rather than through them directly. You see a lot of protagonists using regression knowledge to avoid past mistakes, scheming their way out of arranged marriages, or strategically positioning themselves in court politics while pursuing the actual love interest. The romance develops alongside or through the scheming rather than despite it.

I find this combination works because Korean romance already emphasizes navigating complex social situations. Adding a genuinely strategic protagonist raises the stakes and makes the eventual relationship feel more earned. The downside is that some novels prioritize the plotting so heavily that the romance feels like an afterthought.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
The Regressed Demon Lord is Kind
4.3
(703 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
My whole life, all I wanted was power. I churned the world into rivers of blood and eventually gained the title, ‘Demon Lord of Strength’.
First Impressions
"The Regressed Demon Lord is Kind" is a web novel that certainly took me for a ride. Going in, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I came away with a generally positive impression, though not without a few reservations. Initially, the premise felt somewhat familiar: a regressed protagonist aiming to live a kinder life. However, it quickly became apparent that the author was playing with expectations. The "kindness" in the title should probably be in quotes, as the main character, Zich, has a rather... unique interpretation of the concept. It’s more about beating up bad guys in the name of ...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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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Completed
6
#6 PICK
I Will Seduce The Northern Duke
4.3
(158 ratings)
Genre: fantasy, mature, mystery
“Pretend to be my lover and join the social circle. ” Selena, the top star that had the entire world’s attention, was suddenly warped to Northern Duke’s land during an accident while filming.
First Impressions
"I Will Seduce The Northern Duke" had me hooked from the premise alone, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered so much positive attention. It’s a fun blend of fantasy, romance, and a touch of mystery, with a confident female lead on a mission. The initial chapters are undeniably captivating. The female lead (FL) is smart, funny, and sharp, and the male lead (ML), while stoic, has an undeniable charm. I immediately appreciated that the FL was transported rather than reincarnated, and her motivations for seducing the Duke felt genuine. It's a refreshing change from some of the more con...
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7
#7 PICK
Regression Is Too Much
4.3
(222 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
One day, a Tower appeared, and with it a proclamation by God that humanity is to be judged for becoming too corrupt. Regression… It’s an ability so fraudulent that it hardly needs further explanation.
First Impressions
"Regression Is Too Much" had me hooked from the start. It's a regression story with a twist, and while it shares some similarities with other novels in the genre, it carves out its own unique space with its focus on character development and the psychological toll of constant regression. I initially went in expecting a lighthearted take on the regression trope. What I found was a surprisingly deep dive into the protagonist's mental state as he grapples with his unique ability. The premise is simple: Kim Jun-ho, our MC, gains the power to regress, but the catch is that he regresses upon receivi...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Becoming Professor Moriarty’s Probability
4.2
(256 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, harem
I fervently critiqued the development of a Sherlock Holmes-based mystery gal game. Villain Maker: Fulfilling the probability of Professor Moriarty’s appearance.
First Impressions
"Becoming Professor Moriarty's Probability" is quite the ride! I dove in expecting a gender-bent Sherlock Holmes mystery, and while it delivers on that front to some extent, it quickly became clear that the core of this novel is something else entirely. It's a wild blend of genres, throwing action, fantasy, romance, and psychological elements into a Victorian-era blender. From the get-go, the premise is intriguing: a protagonist waking up in a game world he helped design, now populated by gender-swapped versions of classic characters. The character dynamics are the true standout. The way the f...
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Conclusion

These fifteen novels balance romance with protagonists who think several steps ahead. Some lean more toward scheming with romantic subplot, others are primarily romance where the MC happens to be clever. Check summaries to see which balance each title strikes.

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

Ending Maker

First Impressions

The Regressed Demon Lord is Kind

First Impressions

Fated to Be Loved by Villains

First Impressions

Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?

First Impressions

The Baby Raising A Devil

First Impressions

I Will Seduce The Northern Duke

First Impressions

Regression Is Too Much

First Impressions