Top 15 Trending Korean Action Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

15 Novels

Trending korean action reflect what readers are excited about right now. Some of these will become classics. Others will fade as tastes shift. What connects them is current momentum.

These picks show system mechanics, strategic protagonists, and measurable progression applied to what's working currently. The trending ones tend to have something setting them apart from formula.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Everyone Else is a Returnee
4.3
(3.5K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Yu Ilhan was always the one left behind. Left out of cliques in school.
First Impressions
"Everyone Else is a Returnee" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its high overall rating and diverse range of reader opinions. It’s a story about a protagonist left behind on Earth while everyone else is transported to another world to train for a coming apocalypse. The premise is intriguing and promises a unique take on familiar tropes, but does it deliver? Here's my take. Initially, I was hooked by the concept. A loner, overlooked by the divine, gains immense power through sheer dedication and hard work. It's a classic underdog story with a twist....
Read More
Completed
2
RUNNER UP
T*ash of the Count’s Family
4.5
(3.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. I became a part of that novel as the tr*sh of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located.
First Impressions
I finally dove into Tash of the Count’s Family, and I have to say, it's quite the ride. With its high overall rating and a massive list of tags, I was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about. Having read a fair chunk of it, I can see the appeal, but also some of the issues that might turn readers off. Initially, the premise felt familiar: a Korean transmigrator ends up in the body of a trashy noble within a novel he'd read. The MC's goal? To live a peaceful, wealthy life, avoiding all conflict. I was a little worried it would be another generic "lazy MC gets dragged into trouble"...
Read More
Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Second Coming of Gluttony
4.3
(2.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
“The son of god Gula has returned. ” I was lost in the world of gambling.
First Impressions
I've spent some time diving into "The Second Coming of Gluttony," and it's been quite the ride. This web novel certainly has its strong points, but it's not without its flaws. It’s one of those stories that really grabs you, but also makes you scratch your head at times. Initially, I was hooked by the unique premise. The main character, Seol, starts as a complete scumbag – a gambling addict who's hit rock bottom. This isn't your typical wish-fulfillment isekai. Instead, it promises a genuine redemption arc, fueled by the bitterness of past mistakes. The initial tutorial and neutral zone segmen...
Read More
Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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...
Read More
Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor
4.3
(1.8K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The man forsaken by the world, the man a s*ave to money and the man known as the legendary God of War in the highly popular MMORPG Continent of Magic. With the coming of age, he decides to say goodbye, but the feeble attempt to earn a little something for his time and effort ripples into an effe...
First Impressions
"The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor" is a web novel that I finally decided to dive into after hearing about it for years. It's a sprawling story, and while I found aspects to enjoy, I also encountered some frustrations along the way. It's a mixed bag, but one that has some real gems hidden inside. Initially, I was hooked by the VRMMORPG setting and the promise of adventure. The main character, Weed (also known as Lee Hyun), is certainly unique. He's driven by a need for money, stemming from a difficult past, and his single-minded focus creates some genuinely funny situations. The early chapters ...
Read More
Completed
6
#6 PICK
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...
Read More
Completed
7
#7 PICK
SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter
4.3
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I am dying to have a Class S Skill! ..
First Impressions
SSS-Class Suide Hunter… what a title! I dove into this web novel with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, given the rather intense premise. It's a story that seems to polarize readers, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others finding it deeply flawed. So, what did I think? Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed. The early chapters are a whirlwind of information, and the main character, Kim Gong-ja, isn't exactly the most likeable guy. He's envious, obsessive, and driven by a desire for revenge. However, I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did because the initial chaos gives way to something fa...
Read More

Novel Translator 2026

Love Korean Action Novels?

Translate any Korean novel to your preferred language with Novel Translator's AI-powered technology.

40+ Languages

Translate to and from major world languages

Custom Made Translation Engine

State-of-the-art translation quality

EPUB and TXT Support

Keep formatting, chapters, and covers

Fast Processing

Translate entire novels in hours

View Pricing

Trusted by 16,000+ readers worldwide in 2026

Completed
8
#8 PICK
Reincarnator
4.0
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Humanity has been gradually transported to the Abyss by a bored god to compete against other races and monsters. The problem is… humanity failed.
First Impressions
"Reincarnator" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a world of apocalypse, time travel, and high stakes. After diving in, I found myself both gripped by the premise and occasionally frustrated by aspects of the execution. It's a story with a lot of potential, but it doesn't always hit the mark. The initial chapters are strong, painting a vivid picture of a brutal world and introducing a protagonist who feels genuinely experienced and driven. I was immediately drawn to the idea of a character sent back in time with the weight of humanity's survival on his shoulders. The early "tutorial...
Read More
Completed
9
#9 PICK
I am the Monarch
4.2
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Roan ran away 20 years ago from his rural village in the aim of becoming a Great General. However, all he got 20 years later was just a handful of money and the lowly position of squad commander of the First Legion’s.
First Impressions
"I am the Monarch" is a web novel that initially grabbed my attention with its premise: a soldier gets a second chance at life, armed with the knowledge of the future. The blend of action, adventure, and kingdom-building elements promised an engaging read, and for a while, it delivered. The early chapters pulled me in with the classic reincarnation trope, but with a twist. It wasn’t just about knowing what was going to happen; it was about how the protagonist, Roan, would use that knowledge to forge a different path. The initial focus on military strategy and character development was definite...
Read More

Conclusion

Trending lists capture moments rather than lasting quality. I've tried to filter for entries with substance beyond initial hype, but only time confirms which have staying power.

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

Everyone Else is a Returnee

First Impressions

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

The Second Coming of Gluttony

First Impressions

The Novel’s Extra

First Impressions

The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

First Impressions