Top 17 Korean Academy OP MC Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Korean academy OP MC stories structure power fantasy within school settings. The protagonist is overpowered compared to their peers but navigates academic expectations, social hierarchies, and institutional challenges. System mechanics often quantify just how superior they are.

The appeal is watching someone clearly destined for greatness operate within constraints they could break if they wanted. Some protagonists hide their strength, others flaunt it. The academy provides a framework of peers, rivals, and romantic interests that pure power fantasy sometimes lacks.

1
TOP PICK
The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times
5.0
(2 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
The illegitimate child despised by the ducal family, a shut-in who never left his room, a gloomy good-for-nothing student. I had possessed a background character who was fated to die before the scenario even began.
First Impressions
"The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times" certainly grabs your attention with its title! The premise of a time-looping protagonist stuck in a deadly academy is instantly intriguing. I went in expecting a dark, action-packed fantasy, and the initial chapters definitely delivered on that promise. The mystery surrounding the "doomed" aspect kept me hooked, eager to uncover the secrets behind the protagonist's repeated deaths. The core concept of the time loop is executed pretty well. I appreciate how the author uses each loop to slowly unravel the mysteries of the academy and the ...
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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
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...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
The Main Heroines are Trying to Kill Me
4.2
(813 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, harem
To save the hopeless Dark Fantasy World, I held back my tears and destroyed the world, then killed the Demon King and returned. Now, I’m trying to save the world using the “System” I gained as a “Regressor’s Privilege”… But the Main Heroines have also awakened their own memories of the previous ...
First Impressions
"The Main Heroines are Trying to Kill Me" is a wild ride, to say the least. Jumping into this novel, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I emerged on the other side both emotionally drained and strangely satisfied. It's a story that plays with your heartstrings, and while it doesn't always hit the mark perfectly, the overall experience is undeniably memorable. Initially, the premise grabbed me. The idea of a protagonist forced to act as a villain to achieve a greater good, while simultaneously dealing with heroines who genuinely want him dead, is intriguing. The early chapters did a solid ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat
4.4
(730 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
“I really feel like having one of those special macarons from the cafeteria today. You think you could get me one?
First Impressions
"Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat" is a novel that took me by surprise. Initially, I went in expecting a lighthearted academy romp, but what I found was a much darker, more complex story that left a lasting impression. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, and definitely not for the faint of heart. At first, the story felt like a typical isekai, with the protagonist reincarnated into a novel they once read. The academy setting and superpower elements initially felt generic. However, as I delved deeper, the narrative revealed a much more intricate world, fraught with danger and hidden depths...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter
4.3
(611 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I possessed the weakest character in my favorite game’s Hell Mode. I want to survive, but the way the main character is being controlled is atrocious.
First Impressions
"The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its somewhat generic-sounding title. It's a story about a protagonist who finds himself in a game world, specifically an academy setting, with a unique power that makes him incredibly strong against demons but leaves him vulnerable otherwise. Here's my take after absorbing the general sentiment around the novel. Initially, the premise felt familiar – another isekai with a system and an academy setting. Some readers might be instantly turned off by this, and I un...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
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
8
#8 PICK
Evade The Hero and Flee!
4.2
(471 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
When I woke up after a pretty crappy death, what greeted me was one of those famous fantasy worlds! I didn’t expect anything like becoming the strongest with a common job, or rising to the top with the weakest class… All I wanted was to live a slow farming life, but the world just wouldn’t leave...
First Impressions
"Evade The Hero and Flee!" is a web novel that certainly evokes strong reactions. Diving in, I found a story that, while promising, has some definite quirks that might not appeal to everyone. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy, with a dash of harem and slice-of-life elements thrown in for good measure. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise. The idea of an antihero protagonist in an academy setting, trying to survive by being clever and cunning, sounded like a fun twist on the usual reincarnation tropes. There's a clear attempt at humor, and some readers have absolutely l...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
I Became the Student Council President of Academy City
4.2
(360 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I was reincarnated into the world of Academy City. Since things turned out this way, I decided to aim for a decent job and live a happy life.
First Impressions
When I first dove into "I Became the Student Council President of Academy City," I was immediately struck by the unique premise: an academy city ruling a post-apocalyptic world. It's a blend of genres that piqued my interest, promising a mix of school life, action, and a dash of the extraordinary. The setup felt familiar, yet intriguing, like a magical academy version of Love is War with a bit more action sprinkled in. There's a lot to appreciate in this novel. The MC is a definite highlight; he's relatable, vulnerable, but also surprisingly badass when the situation calls for it. He's not dri...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
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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Conclusion

Academy OP MC is popular in Korean web fiction with substantial options. These rankings favor novels that execute the premise well, but personal preferences for pacing, romance involvement, and power display style will affect which entries work best for you.

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

The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

The Novel’s Extra

First Impressions

The Main Heroines are Trying to Kill Me

First Impressions

Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat

First Impressions

The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter

First Impressions

Fated to Be Loved by Villains

First Impressions

Evade The Hero and Flee!

First Impressions