Top 15 Trending Korean Romance Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

15 Novels

Trending korean romance 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
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
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
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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4
EDITORS CHOICE
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
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Living As the Villainess Queen
4.4
(651 ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, fantasy
‘I want to travel to a place unknown to the many…’ It was a passing wish to the weary and tired Eugene and she’d not think it’d ever come to pass… but it did. She opened her eyes and found she was sent to a novel-like world she wrote in passing and became Jin Anika, the scorned queen notorious f...
First Impressions
"Living As the Villainess Queen" had me intrigued from the start, promising a blend of adult themes, fantasy, and a dash of that classic villainess isekai twist. After diving in, I've found it to be a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by some noticeable shortcomings. The initial hook is strong: a protagonist transmigrating into a novel she wrote, only to suffer from amnesia regarding the plot. This concept, while interesting, seems to be a major sticking point for some. I can see why; it does feel a bit odd that she's so clueless about her own creation. However, the world-buil...
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6
#6 PICK
A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
4.4
(718 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
On the way to a company workshop, we fell into a world of immortal cultivators while still in the car. Those with spiritual roots and unique abilities were all called to join cultivation sects, living prosperously.
First Impressions
"A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation" is quite the ride, a Korean take on the xianxia genre with a unique flavor. The premise is intriguing: a group of ordinary folks get isekai'd into a cultivation world, and our MC, unlike his colleagues, discovers his talent is regression upon his death. It's a blend of action, adventure, drama, and a whole lot more, making for a complex story. Initially, I found myself drawn to the story. The early focus on martial arts, before the cultivation aspects really kicked in, was a breath of fresh air. I appreciated the detailed explanations and the unique system t...
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Completed
7
#7 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
8
#8 PICK
A Villain’s Will to Survive
4.1
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
The middle boss of the AAA-class game produced by the company. The villain who dies 999 times out of 1,000 times.
First Impressions
"A Villain's Will to Survive" had me hooked initially with its intriguing premise: a game designer transmigrating into the body of Deculein, the villain of his own game. The blend of action, comedy, and psychological elements promised a wild ride, and for a while, it delivered. However, like many journeys, this one had its share of bumps along the road. I was immediately drawn in by the world-building and the concept of navigating death flags. Deculein is a compelling character, especially with the initial struggle to reconcile his own personality with the villainous persona he's inherited. Th...
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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

Lucia

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

Ending Maker

First Impressions

Turning

First Impressions

Living As the Villainess Queen

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

First Impressions

God of Cooking

First Impressions