Top 19 Completed Korean Mystery Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Korean mystery novels sometimes incorporate system elements or supernatural aspects into detective narratives, creating hybrid puzzles. Pure mystery without fantasy elements is less common in the webnovel space. Completion is essential for mysteries since the entire genre depends on revelation.

These finished entries provide actual solutions to their mysteries. Korean mystery tends toward psychological complexity alongside the puzzle elements.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
4.6
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Kim Dok-Ja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels.
First Impressions
"Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s the type of story that grabs you and refuses to let go, throwing you headfirst into a world that's both familiar and utterly bizarre. Overall, I found it a compelling read, although not without its quirks. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a lone reader, Kim Dokja, finds himself living in the world of the web novel he’s obsessed over for a decade. The world is transported to his, and he now has the immense knowledge of how it will end, or so he thinks. It's a fantastic setup t...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work
4.8
(706 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
NOW HIRING — URGENT — Ghost Story Specialist Corporation Daydream Inc. (Ltd.
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work." This web novel has been quite the ride, blending horror, comedy, and a healthy dose of office satire. I went in expecting a spooky adventure, and I definitely got that, but it was the unique blend of genres and the intriguing protagonist that really hooked me. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The premise seemed interesting enough – a guy gets thrown into ghost stories but still has to deal with the daily grind. It felt a bit like a supernatural SCP Foundation meets Dilbert, which is a weird combo, but it...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Debut or Die
4.7
(547 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, mystery
A student who had been preparing for the Civil Service examination for 4 years suddenly found himself in an unfamiliar body, 3 years in the past. Along with it came a status window displaying a threat right before his eyes!
First Impressions
"Debut or Die" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated following. This novel plunges you headfirst into the cutthroat world of K-pop, complete with a protagonist who's seen it all (and sold the photos to prove it!). The premise alone is enough to grab your attention: a man wakes up in the body of someone who has committed suicide and is forced by a mysterious system to debut as an idol or, well, die. It's a dark premise that balances well with the often light-hearted nature of the idol industry. I was immediately hooked by the unique blend of genres. The story bala...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Becoming the Villain’s Family
4.5
(292 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, mystery
‘Siren’ a name derived from an ancient creature, used to describe those who could charm, lure, control, and heal others by singing. Subjected to live the life of a siren, Aria had experienced, seen, and heard many horrific things.
First Impressions
"Becoming the Villain's Family" had been sitting on my reading list for a while, and I finally decided to dive in. With a premise that blends elements of time travel, family drama, and a dash of the supernatural, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype. From the get-go, I was drawn into the story. The initial chapters establish the female lead's difficult past and her determination to change her fate. The pacing felt just right, giving me enough information to understand the world and the characters without overwhelming me with exposition. I also appreciated the glimpse into the "siren...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Seoul Object Story
4.5
(251 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Humans, once the masters of Earth, were losing their place to the inexplicable phenomena known as Objects. And this is a story about becoming an Object and living worry-free in the Seoul of such a world.
First Impressions
"Seoul Object Story" is a wild ride. It's a blend of genres that I wasn't sure would work together, but somehow, it really does. It's got action, adventure, comedy, fantasy, and a healthy dose of the supernatural, all wrapped up in a unique package. The premise alone is enough to grab your attention: a researcher, caught in a terrorist attack, wishes to be reborn as one of the mysterious "Objects" that now dominate the world. And she gets her wish. The initial chapters can be a bit disorienting, as you're thrown headfirst into a world with its own established rules and hierarchies. It's a bit ...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
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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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Kill the Lights
4.2
(741 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, comedy
Mason was a mercenary, until the day he died on a mission after being betrayed by his unit. At the same time, there was a Hollywood actor named Haley Lusk.
First Impressions
"Kill the Lights" is a wild ride. It throws you headfirst into a world of action, celebrity drama, and a heavy dose of the supernatural. I found myself hooked from the start, eager to see how this strange mix of genres would play out. While the novel definitely has its strengths, it also stumbles in some key areas, particularly when it comes to the central relationship. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a hardened mercenary, Mason, dies and is reborn into the body of Haley Lusk, a washed-up, drug-addicted actor. The initial chapters are a whirlwind as Mason tries to navigate this new, unfa...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Paladin of the Dead God
4.3
(310 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
The only Paladin of the forgotten god, Nameless Chaos, and also the only Pope, Priest, and Worshipper.
First Impressions
After diving into "Paladin of the Dead God," I've got a mixed bag of thoughts. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a protagonist thrust into a world as the sole paladin of a forgotten, Lovecraftian deity. It's a blend of medieval fantasy, gaming elements, and cosmic horror that certainly grabbed my attention. Initially, the story felt like a promising dark fantasy with a unique twist. The idea of Isaac, our MC, grappling with chaotic powers while trying to maintain some semblance of humanity is compelling. I was hooked by the mystery surrounding the world and the dynamics between Isaac and t...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Becoming Professor Moriarty’s Probability
4.2
(256 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, harem
I fervently critiqued the development of a Sherlock Holmes-based mystery gal game. Villain Maker: Fulfilling the probability of Professor Moriarty’s appearance.
First Impressions
"Becoming Professor Moriarty's Probability" is quite the ride! I dove in expecting a gender-bent Sherlock Holmes mystery, and while it delivers on that front to some extent, it quickly became clear that the core of this novel is something else entirely. It's a wild blend of genres, throwing action, fantasy, romance, and psychological elements into a Victorian-era blender. From the get-go, the premise is intriguing: a protagonist waking up in a game world he helped design, now populated by gender-swapped versions of classic characters. The character dynamics are the true standout. The way the f...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
Perennial Species
4.3
(101 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
People with the ability to hunt mutants, Mansaengjong. One day, they suddenly found themselves isolated in Naraka.
First Impressions
"Perennial Species" is a novel that grabbed my attention with its unique blend of genres. I dove in expecting a typical action fantasy, but what I found was a complex world with intriguing characters and a plot that kept me guessing. While it has some minor drawbacks, the overall experience was definitely worthwhile. From the start, I was impressed by the world-building. The concept of Mansaengjong battling mutants within a gate to another world immediately hooked me. I appreciated how the author gradually revealed information, immersing me in the story without overwhelming me with exposition....
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Completed
11
#11 PICK
His Majesty Wants to Read the New Release!
4.3
(89 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, mystery
Emperor Karlos Josef Rumillesa is known for his intimidating charisma. But he, who is revered as ‘The God of War’, has a secret hobby: he’s a passionate reader of romance novels.
First Impressions
Alright, let me tell you about "His Majesty Wants to Read the New Release!" I dove into this one recently, and it's been quite the ride. With its blend of comedy, fantasy, and romance, it definitely stands out in the shoujo genre. Here's my take after spending some time with it. Honestly, I went in with fairly high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. The premise is intriguing, and the initial chapters immediately pull you into a world brimming with witty banter and charming characters. I found myself chuckling within the first few pages, which is always a good sign!...
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Conclusion

Mystery ratings heavily weight solution satisfaction. Stories with unfair puzzles or disappointing reveals get penalized. These entries represent Korean mysteries that played fair and delivered satisfying resolutions.

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

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

First Impressions

Debut or Die

First Impressions

Becoming the Villain’s Family

First Impressions

Seoul Object Story

First Impressions

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

First Impressions

Kill the Lights

First Impressions

Paladin of the Dead God

First Impressions

Becoming Professor Moriarty’s Probability

First Impressions