Top 15 Most Popular Korean Romance Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

15 Novels

Korean romance novels ranked by reader popularity. These fifteen earned large audiences through consistent emotional delivery and the character dynamics readers seek from the genre. Many incorporate fantasy, regression, or system elements following Korean web novel conventions.

Popularity reflects what readers actually consume. I've included these because they represent what works for the largest audience, though individual preferences may differ.

1
TOP PICK
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
2
RUNNER UP
Lucia
4.4
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, fantasy
Lucia grew up not knowing she was a princess. But when her mother died, she entered the palace and had the chance to see her entire future in a dream.
First Impressions
"Lucia" is a web novel that really took me on a rollercoaster. With its mix of adult themes, fantasy elements, and a central romance, it definitely has a lot going on. After diving in and absorbing various reader opinions, I've got a pretty good handle on what makes this story tick, both for good and for ill. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise of a protagonist trying to navigate a pre-determined fate. The tags promised a complex story with character growth and a mature tone. However, some readers found the world-building lacking and the initial plot points to be somewhat weak, especiall...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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
6
#6 PICK
God of Cooking
4.4
(685 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
30-year-old Jo Minjoon has always wanted to become a chef. He started his culinary career late in life, however, and is currently chopping onions at a restaurant.
First Impressions
"God of Cooking" promised a delicious blend of cooking, romance, and a second chance, and honestly, it largely delivered. With a solid 4.4/5 rating, it's clear this novel has resonated with a lot of readers, including me. Initially, I was a little wary. The "game elements" tag made me think it might be another stat-obsessed story, but thankfully, that wasn't the case. The system is present, but it felt more like a tool than a crutch for the main character (MC). It's well-integrated, not awkward, and, as the MC grows, he relies on it less. The initial chapters felt like a tasty appetizer, setti...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Master Hunter K
4.1
(764 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
“With your own strength, prove the worth of your species. ” Without warning, every man, woman, and child was teleported off to fight an endless series of battles.
First Impressions
Master Hunter K is a web novel that dives headfirst into the familiar pool of reincarnation, system mechanics, and overpowered protagonists. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it offers an enjoyable ride for fans of the genre, though it's not without its bumps along the way. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a humanity thrust into a survival dimension, fighting tooth and nail. The MC, armed with knowledge from his past life, gets a second chance to climb to the top and potentially avert humanity's grim fate. It's a classic setup, and the early chapters do a decent job of establishing...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Remarried Empress
4.2
(635 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, josei
Navier was the perfect empress, however, the Emperor wanted a wife, not a colleague. And so, the Emperor abandoned Empress Navier and placed an ens*aved girl beside him.
First Impressions
"Remarried Empress" is a web novel that immediately grabbed my attention with its premise: an empress, in what seems like an amicable marriage, is suddenly faced with her husband's infatuation with a new concubine. The opening chapters promise a satisfying tale of revenge and self-discovery, and while the execution has its ups and downs, I found myself ultimately drawn into Navier's journey. Like many readers, I was instantly hooked by the initial chapters. The idea of an empress handling betrayal with grace, only to ultimately choose her own path, is incredibly appealing. I was eager to see N...
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Conclusion

Popular novels got popular for reasons. These fifteen deliver on reader expectations for Korean romance even if they're not the most original entries. If you want proven entertainment that many readers enjoyed, start here. If you want innovation, explore less popular alternatives.

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

Turning

First Impressions

Lucia

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

Ending Maker

First Impressions

The Regressed Demon Lord is Kind

First Impressions

God of Cooking

First Impressions

Master Hunter K

First Impressions