Top 15 Korean Romance Novels with Genius Protagonist in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

15 Novels

Korean romance with genius protagonists tends to create interesting power dynamics. The intelligence isn't just window dressing. It shapes how characters approach problems, relationships, and the various schemes around them. Some use regression or reincarnation to justify the genius angle, giving protagonists foreknowledge rather than innate brilliance.

What draws me to this combination is watching competent characters handle both external challenges and romantic development without becoming helpless the moment feelings get involved. That said, "genius" is sometimes used loosely. A few of these feature protagonists who are more lucky than smart, or whose intelligence only shows up when the plot requires it.

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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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2
RUNNER UP
If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die
4.8
(282 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I suddenly found myself dropped into a fantasy kingdom story. But what’s the status of my scenario importance?
First Impressions
"If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die" is a wild ride that I'm so glad I decided to jump on. With a near-perfect rating and a sprawling storyline, I was intrigued, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it's so beloved. It's a unique blend of genres, and the execution is what really makes it shine. Initially, the title and summary made me think this would be another run-of-the-mill transmigration story. You know, the kind where the protagonist just clings to the main character for survival. But boy, was I wrong! From the get-go, the author throws you into a world brimming ...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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4
EDITORS CHOICE
The Tyrant’s Beloved Doll
4.2
(291 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, psychological
Her brother, who was the one who caused a coup d’etat, had sliced her throat. After she returned to the time before she died, she decided that she would somehow tame him and survive!
First Impressions
"The Tyrant's Beloved Doll" immediately grabbed my attention with its intriguing title and the promise of a "taming the tyrant" trope. I dove in expecting a typical reincarnation story, but I quickly realized there was a lot more depth to it than initially meets the eye. The story follows Sezh, who's been given a second chance at life to prevent a tragic future, and Raytan, the titular tyrant she aims to... well, not just tame, but also survive. It's a brutal world, and the stakes are high. What really stands out is the realism injected into this fantasy setting. The characters, particularly S...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Game Director That Returned from Hell
4.4
(119 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
Grand winner of the 2023 World Munpia Contest – manhwa adaptation announced. When game director Cheon Yeonho dies from overwork, he finds himself condemned to Hell.
First Impressions
"The Game Director That Returned from Hell" is quite the ride, and it's easy to see why it's garnered such a positive reception. It's a unique blend of business management, fantasy, and even a touch of Dante's Inferno, all wrapped up in the high-stakes world of game development. Jumping into this novel, I was immediately intrigued by the premise: a game director returning from literal hell to create games based on his experiences. The initial chapters were a bit dense, throwing a lot of details about the game industry at me. But once I got past that initial info dump, the narrative really took...
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6
#6 PICK
Bailonz Street 13
4.4
(82 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, horror
“Sometimes, secrets we can’t fathom crawl through the shadows of London. ” The protagonist finds herself trapped in a horror VR game that was set in 19th-century London, a city teeming with crime.
First Impressions
"Bailonz Street 13" is a novel that definitely left an impression on me. Diving into its blend of action, fantasy, horror, mystery, and romance was quite the experience, and I can see why it's garnered so much attention. It's the kind of story that sticks with you, even after you've turned the final page. I was immediately drawn in by the premise – a Sherlock Holmes meets Lovecraftian horror vibe. The detailed descriptions of London and the Victorian era writing style created a strong sense of atmosphere. The initial setup felt like a classic mystery, but it quickly became clear that there was...
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#7 PICK
Gemstone: The Reincarnated Jeweler Never Loses
4.4
(58 ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, fantasy
Wesel, the Duke of Henia: the half-brother of the current king of the Henia Kingdom. Despite his powerful abilities, he has no claim to the throne due to his lineage.
First Impressions
"Gemstone: The Reincarnated Jeweler Never Loses" definitely surprised me. With a title like that, I was expecting something rather generic, but I found myself drawn into a surprisingly intricate world. This novel blends fantasy, romance, and a touch of the psychological into a compelling story of reincarnation and second chances. Initially, I was a little slow to get into the story, but it didn't take long for me to get hooked. The way the author gradually reveals the world, its magic system centered around gemstones, and the complexities of the characters felt very natural....
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8
#8 PICK
The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen
4.1
(217 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
It’s a story about a man who got transported into a novel and possessed a slum boy. He met a noble girl and served her as a butler for 13 Years.
First Impressions
"The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen" is a web novel that definitely sparks a range of reactions. It centers on a hyper-competent butler, Ricardo, and his eccentric, fallen villainess mistress, Olivia, and their life after her denouncement. Initially, I wasn't entirely sold. It took me a few chapters to really get into the story. Olivia can come across as childish and unlikeable at first. However, sticking with it allowed me to see the nuances in their relationship and the world....
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
The Fake Hero Is Too Strong
4.2
(113 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Mide Mohan, who can see the list of victims harmed by the sins people have committed. The one who has committed the most sins is, ironically, the very person hailed as the hero who will save the continent.
First Impressions
"The Fake Hero Is Too Strong" has been quite the ride so far, and I can definitely see why it has such a solid rating. The premise alone is intriguing: a protagonist who can see people's sins returns to the past to expose a fraudulent hero. There's a lot to unpack here, and I'm excited to share my thoughts. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique setup. Mide Mohan, our protagonist, isn't your typical overpowered main character, although he does have a significant advantage with his ability to perceive sins. The early chapters do a good job of establishing the world and the core conflict. It's ...
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Conclusion

The romantic elements in these stories range from central focus to secondary plot. Check individual descriptions if you're looking for romance-heavy versus romance-adjacent. Translation quality also affects how well the clever dialogue and schemes come across.

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

If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die

First Impressions

The Regressed Demon Lord is Kind

First Impressions

The Tyrant’s Beloved Doll

First Impressions

The Game Director That Returned from Hell

First Impressions

Bailonz Street 13

First Impressions

Gemstone: The Reincarnated Jeweler Never Loses

First Impressions