Top 9 Korean Romance Novels with Reincarnation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

9 Novels

Reincarnation adds interesting complications to romance. The protagonist might return to correct relationship mistakes, pursue someone they regretted not approaching, or avoid a partner who turned out badly. The foreknowledge creates different dynamics than meeting someone fresh.

Korean romance reincarnation often involves the villainess premise, where protagonists wake up in bodies marked for bad endings and must navigate predetermined relationship traps. The genre overlaps significantly with political intrigue since many entries involve noble society. These nine rated well with readers who appreciate romance with the added dimension of past-life awareness.

Completed
1
TOP 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
2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I Don’t Want To Be An Ojakgyo
4.3
(365 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, harem
I was reincarnated as the supporting character of a novel. As a wingwoman in a depressing romance novel titled at that.
First Impressions
"I Don't Want To Be An Ojakgyo" is a story I initially approached with caution. The title and premise suggested a typical transmigration-into-a-novel scenario, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity I found. While it has its flaws, it's ultimately a charming and engaging read. The story follows our protagonist, who, armed with memories of a past life where she read the novel she's now living in, becomes laser-focused on financial security. This drives her to enroll in a magic knight academy, befriends several of the original male leads, and even develops a secret identity a...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
I Raised an Obsessive Servant
4.3
(239 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, romance
I was fighting with the heroine for the Empress’ seat. I, Yurina Carthia, the villainess, die at the hands of a mage supporting character.
First Impressions
"I Raised an Obsessive Servant" had me intrigued from the start, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. It's a transmigration story with a twist, focusing on a protagonist who's trying to avoid a villainous fate by nurturing the future male lead. While the title might suggest a certain character dynamic, the reality seems far more nuanced and heartwarming. Initially, I was a bit wary of the title, fearing another generic, cringe-worthy story. However, I quickly found myself drawn into the world and the characters. The premise is that our MC transmigrates i...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Failed To Abandon the Villain
4.3
(201 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, mystery
One day, her father gave her a sl*ve boy. He said he saved him from the battlefield because of his good looks.
First Impressions
"Failed To Abandon the Villain" is a web novel that definitely left me with a lot to think about. It's a dark fantasy romance that doesn't shy away from exploring the long-lasting impact of trauma, and while it's not perfect, it offers a unique and often disturbing reading experience. Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The premise is that the FL, Valletta, is a reincarator who ends up in the backstory of a villain named Reinhardt. Both characters have endured significant abuse, and their interactions are complex and often unsettling. I found myself questioning whether I could root fo...
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Conclusion

Reincarnation romance uses foreknowledge to create interesting relationship dynamics. The protagonist knows things they shouldn't about potential partners, which changes how courtship works. Korean entries often set this in noble society where social maneuvering matters alongside emotional connection.

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

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

First Impressions

Lucia

First Impressions

I Don’t Want To Be An Ojakgyo

First Impressions

The Baby Raising A Devil

First Impressions