The Villainess Renaissance: Why We Can't Stop Reading
If you've spent any time on Webtoon, Tapas, or Manta lately, you've noticed the trend: stories where women wake up as the doomed antagonist of a novel or game, then flip the script entirely. This Korean-born genre—known as "villainess" or "악녀물" (angnyeomul)—has exploded internationally, and 2026 might be its biggest year yet.
But what makes these stories so addictive? It's not just the gorgeous Regency-era aesthetics or the satisfying revenge plots. These webtoons tap into something deeper: the fantasy of a second chance, the thrill of defying expectations, and heroines who refuse to follow someone else's storyline.
What Defines the Villainess Genre?
At its core, a villainess webtoon features:
- Transmigration/Reincarnation: The protagonist (often a modern woman) wakes up in the body of a novel's villainess
- Foreknowledge: She knows the plot—including her own death or ruin
- Survival Strategy: Using her knowledge, she rewrites her fate
- Romance (Usually): Often with the male lead who was supposed to hate her
Think of it as Groundhog Day meets Bridgerton, with a heavy dose of dramatic irony.
7 Must-Read Villainess Webtoons for 2026
1. The Villainess Lives Twice
A masterclass in political intrigue and slow-burn romance. Artezia uses her second life to protect her brother and dismantle the corrupt system from within. Available on Tapas.
2. Death Is the Only Ending for the Villainess
Based on an otome game premise, this title features a heroine navigating deadly "routes" with multiple love interests. The psychological tension is unmatched. Read on Tapas and Webtoon.
3. The Remarried Empress
While not a traditional villainess story, Empress Navier's calculated moves and dignified revenge have made this a crossover hit. Over 5 million subscribers on Webtoon.
4. Beware the Villainess!
A comedic take where the protagonist actively calls out toxic romance tropes. Perfect for readers who want self-aware humor with their fantasy. On Tapas.
5. Your Throne
Two women—one a crown princess, one a duke's daughter—navigate a deadly power struggle. The art is stunning, and the female rivalry-turned-alliance is chef's kiss. Webtoon exclusive.
6. Villains Are Destined to Die
The 2026 anime adaptation has brought renewed attention to this psychologically complex story. The heroine faces genuine trauma and impossible choices. Tapas.
7. I Became the Villain's Mother
A softer entry: the protagonist becomes the stepmother of a future villain child and decides to raise him with love. Heartwarming and beautifully drawn. On Tapas.
Why This Genre Resonates with Western Readers
For fans of Pride and Prejudice retellings, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and strong female leads, villainess webtoons deliver familiar pleasures with fresh twists. The Korean storytelling tradition emphasizes dramatic reversals and emotional payoffs that feel distinct from Western comics.
Plus, the vertical scroll format—pioneered by Korean webtoons—creates a cinematic reading experience that's optimized for phones.
Where to Start
New to the genre? Begin with The Remarried Empress for accessibility or Your Throne for intensity. If you want something lighter, Beware the Villainess! offers comedy without sacrificing substance.
The villainess trend shows no signs of slowing down. With Netflix adaptations, anime announcements, and new titles launching weekly, 2026 is the perfect year to discover why millions of readers are rooting for the "bad girl" to win.