Top 19 Hidden Gem Korean Action Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

19 Novels

Underrated doesn't mean bad. These korean action have quality that exceeds their readership numbers. Sometimes that's timing. Sometimes it's marketing. Sometimes readers just haven't found them yet.

I've looked for entries that deserve more attention based on actual quality rather than popularity metrics.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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"...
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2
RUNNER UP
Dungeon Defense
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, ecchi
Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.
First Impressions
Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...
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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
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
6
#6 PICK
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
7
#7 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
8
#8 PICK
Running Away From The Hero!
4.6
(601 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
After living for a long time in a fantasy world, I ended up becoming a villain! Whilst I beat up both bad guys and good guys as a villain, the legendary hero appeared in front of me.
First Impressions
"Running Away From The Hero!" is a breath of fresh air in the reincarnation genre. It's a wild ride that had me laughing from the get-go. The premise alone is enough to pique anyone's interest: a reincarnated nobody ends up as an instructor for an evil organization, training future heroes (or villains, depending on your perspective). I was immediately hooked by the fact that the story jumps straight into the action. No tedious childhood phase here! We're thrown right into Naruan's life as a 40-year-old instructor, and I appreciated the lack of drawn-out exposition. The initial point of view fr...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
The Regressor and the Blind Saint
4.5
(414 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
“In this life, I will live for you. ” Vera, who had lived as a villain all his life, came to regret it upon meeting Renee, who sacrificed everything at the end of hers.
First Impressions
"The Regressor and the Blind Saint" is a novel that caught my eye with its intriguing premise: a ruthless man finds redemption through the kindness of a blind saintess and gets a second chance to dedicate his life to her. After diving in, I found a story with a lot of heart, but also a few aspects that might not appeal to everyone. Initially, I was hooked. The idea of a "sigma male" (as some readers jokingly put it) becoming a devoted protector is definitely appealing. The early chapters do a great job setting up the dynamic between Vera, the regressor, and Renee, the saintess. The potential f...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
The Hunter’s Gonna Lay Low
4.5
(423 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Hunter Cha Eui-jae, who was dispatched to seal a rift that appeared over the West Sea, was flung out as soon as he closed the rift. When he came to his senses, he was lying in a garbage dump.
First Impressions
"The Hunter's Gonna Lay Low" has been quite the ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention, especially with the manhwa adaptation. It's a blend of action, adventure, and romance with a healthy dose of supernatural elements, all wrapped up in a post-apocalyptic package. However, like any good story, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise – a powerful hunter trying to escape his past and live a normal life. This setup creates a great blend of comedy and underlying tension. The "secret identity" trope is used well, and the introductio...
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Completed
11
#11 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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Conclusion

Underrated picks are gambles on overlooked quality. I think these deserve more readers, but tastes vary. Worth exploring if mainstream recommendations feel exhausted.

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

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

Dungeon Defense

First Impressions

Ending Maker

First Impressions

Turning

First Impressions

Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

First Impressions

Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

First Impressions

Running Away From The Hero!

First Impressions

The Regressor and the Blind Saint

First Impressions