Why We Can't Get Enough of OP Main Characters
Let's be honest – sometimes you don't want to watch a protagonist struggle for 200 chapters. Sometimes you just want to see them absolutely wreck everyone who stands in their way. Korean webtoons have perfected this formula, giving us "Murim" (martial arts world) and modern fantasy settings where our heroes are basically walking cheat codes.
What Makes Korean "Munchkin" Webtoons Different?
If you loved One Punch Man or Mob Psycho 100, Korean webtoons take the overpowered protagonist concept and run with it. The term "munchkin" (먼치킨) in Korean webtoon culture refers to characters who are absurdly powerful – think Sung Jin-Woo from Solo Leveling but across dozens of different series.
Top 10 OP Protagonist Webtoons to Binge Right Now
- Solo Leveling by Chugong – The king of power fantasy. Watch Jin-Woo go from weakest hunter to shadow monarch. Available on Tapas and Webtoon.
- The Beginning After The End by TurtleMe – A king reborn with all his memories. Magic system meets martial arts perfection.
- Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint by Sing Shong – When you've read the entire novel and know exactly how to break the system.
- Return of the Blossoming Blade – Murim revenge done right. Our hero returns from the future to absolutely demolish the demonic cult.
- Nano Machine by Guem-Gang-Bul-Gae – Ancient martial arts meets futuristic nanotechnology. The ultimate cheat ability.
- The Greatest Estate Developer – Engineering knowledge in a fantasy world? Watch him build an empire while enemies underestimate him.
- Reaper of the Drifting Moon – Assassin protagonist with cold, calculated power. Dark and satisfying.
- Mercenary Enrollment – Modern setting where a returning child soldier handles bullies and criminals with brutal efficiency.
- Teenage Mercenary – Similar vibes to Mercenary Enrollment but with its own charm. Action-packed school life.
- The Max Level Hero Has Returned – Royal prince with max-level skills returns to reclaim everything stolen from him.
Where to Read
Most of these titles are available on Webtoon, Tapas, or Tappytoon with official English translations. For the freshest chapters, many fans also check ManhwaTop or similar aggregators, though supporting official releases helps bring more series westward.
Pro Tip
If you're new to Korean webtoons, start with Solo Leveling or The Beginning After The End – they're gateway series that hook Western readers instantly. Then dive into the martial arts ("Murim") genre for that authentic Korean power fantasy experience.