Past Life Returner

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[Would you like to reverse time?] [All stats will be reset.] [Please pick a date.] “February 28th, 1985. The day I was born.”

Wealth, I will seize all the money in the world.

Monopoly, I will seize all the dungeons in the world.

At this time, while the world is still peaceful.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Jeonsaengja
Past Life Regressor
PLR
전생자
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Reincarnator (3)
God of Money (1)
​It’s a Little Hard to be a Villainess of an Otome Game in Modern Society (1)
Main Character Hides His Strength (1)
I am the Monarch (1)
Back To The Beginning Of Ming To Do Charity (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. all of my 5/5 novels
  2. MY Favorite Second Chance Korean Novels
  3. An actual attempt at ranking
  4. mix genre of mc
  5. Would Re-Read

Latest Release

Date Group Release
04/26/22 Wuxiaworld c5
04/25/22 Wuxiaworld c4
04/24/22 Wuxiaworld c3
04/23/22 Wuxiaworld c2
04/22/22 Wuxiaworld c1
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60 Reviews sorted by


Pavilion
New Pavilion rated it
March 8, 2024
Status: Completed
I rather liked it, to be more precise, it kind of grew on me. At the beginning I was hesitant what to feel about this story since it seemed to be centered around politics, economy and investment stuff. But it eventually got onto the right track and the real story began, so to speak. All in all it's a very 'serious' kind of story, from the beginning to all the way until end.

Thinking back, if I were to imagine the same kind of story with the elements the author used,... more>> I simply cannot think a way to make it any better. So I would say the writing, even though it wasn't completely to my liking, was in its own way quite impeccable.

I read these type of web novels mostly for the high, I admit it. Fast gratifications, face slaps, comedy, happy stuff- those are my usual meals. This book didn't have any of those. There were satisfying moments, there were situations where the characters were above others which pleased me, but mostly this was an underdog story until the very end. A story about rising from the worst possible situation all the way towards top, and surviving. And I know some of you are searching especially for that, it's just that I'm not.

Still, I did enjoy the ride. Today I feel like leaving the usual generic story rating building blocks to other people, and I'll just say that this book stays very true to it's genres with its rather grim setting and mature themes. If those, and what else little you can glean from the title and description are your things, then you'll most likely enjoy this book immensely. <<less
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TheHorribleCritic
TheHorribleCritic rated it
January 6, 2021
Status: c21
So far, it's one of the leaders of regress the regression genre. There are many similar novels, but this one stands out with good background planning, likeable main character who is actually an adult instead of typical chinese manchildren or korean edgelords, and more or less believable economy (which is really rare). I will edit this review when more chapters are translated.
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Dg2
Dg2 rated it
August 5, 2021
Status: c90
Seriously, the first 50 chapters are all about playing the stock market. We literally get full on POV switches to overextend this period. Where it could've been done in 10 chapters instead. And that is the best part of this book, which is sad. Our MC gets all this OP skills and stats, but fails to do anything to stand out once the apocalypse happens, but throwing money at minor problems. He fails to live up to expectations and the financial development focus fails to entertain. It's all about shock... more>> and awe at this point. Legit, we are suppose to believe our MC can remember every little detail of the financial market after being alive for thirty years in a death world. I don't care what associates degree he earned, this isn't possible.

Rate 1.4/5 - For broadening my knowledge on Korean market stock. <<less
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asuramaru
asuramaru rated it
December 27, 2020
Status: c52
11 out of 10

This is a hidden gem, a masterpiece! I cannot understand why it's still not hitting the tops in NU. It's a mature steady-paced novel with excellent world-building. Some people may complain that the money-making part is dragged or MC is bland but imo it was very refreshing. The financial "business tycoon" arc was what made us comprehend the world of MC, his actions and ambitions and also muse over our own reality since the Asian crisis event was a real historical event. The financial part was the... more>> most interesting part in the novel and exactly what made it unique and shine among all other similar dungeon/post-apocalyptic novels. As for the MC, he is a calm, intelligent, ambitious person who knows how to take advantage of his knowledge of the future. Of course, for some immature teens he may seem bland because he doesn't have that s*upid righteousness to the point of absurd and hot-blooded temper that we usually see in the typical shonen novels. No, he doesn't suffer from the hero syndrome, he is just trying to achieve his goals step by step, being ruthless and merciful when needs to be. Somehow his temper seemed very similar to Yagami Light from Death Note minus he is not that reckless and doesn't suffer from God complex (at least so far). Side characters are developed quite well too, they play a vital role in the world-building and help to showcase MC's character through interactions and dialogues with him. Overall this novel is the most well-thought and closest to the reality novel I've read so far. I'm applauding to the author. Btw in Korea this novel is quite popular maybe not as much as Solo Leveling, Gamer, Dice or God Tower but still a very good response from the audience. I hope it can get the deserved limelight outside Korea too. And many kudos to the translator! You've made an amazing job!!! &Lt;3 <<less
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cbase
cbase rated it
March 10, 2021
Status: c369
THE Masterpiece of regressor novels.

It even predicted the corona crazy stockexchange and how to get the most profit out of it.

If I only had read it 1 year earlier... if I get regressed I will make the same moves as MC.

... more>> I regret reading it.

Truly.

PLR ruined all other regressor novels for me forever.

It is too realistic and too ambitious and the worst part is, it succeeded in both.

now I understand and am intrested in finance.

This novel compared to others, is like the difference between strategy and tactics.

You can win the fight with tactics, but you will lose the war wihtout strategy.

Some actual novel facts:

SPOILER!

First 40 chappys MC introduces us to his past life and money making with REAL LIFE applications.

Dungeon going starts around ch.45. MC gets beat up a lot and nearly loses his life a few times.

In the tutorial-saga (around ch200) the author experminted with his writing style and it was pretty strange until you realize that point.

More "Demon Man" Gates around (ch.300)

I have only 200 chappys left unfortunatley.

The action scenes are gruesome but pbbly the weakest point in PLR.

While the film "2001: A space odyseey" finished the science fiction genre because nearly nothing before or after comes even close.

This novel finishes "Regressor litrpg". <<less
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samwalski
samwalski rated it
April 24, 2021
Status: c45
Its like the author forgot his own plot for more then 40 chapters at the start. It turns into a marketing novel about stocks and business. Theres maybe a single mention about the actual plot given once every 4-5 chapters and its brief.

While it wasnt boring in the first 10 chapters it gets extremely repetitive in the 30's and goes into a s*upid amount of details that arent needed and will be forgotten within 2 chapters.. Honestly its a waste of time unless you are just gonna skip whole chapters... more>> until there is actual progress in the plot. <<less
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novaes
novaes rated it
March 3, 2021
Status: c37
Guy goes back in time, makes his own hedge fund and becomes rich due to future knowledge. That's about it so far.

It does put a lot more effort into the "getting rich" part than most stories, which usually end up "I invest in [company] and maek monies!". As of the current chapter there isn't any post-apoc or dungeoneering. If you want a get-rich story, this is for you, but otherwise a complete disappointment on the 'korean dungeon novel' front.
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Celeste23
Celeste23
July 20, 2020
Status: c2
I just wanna say, the second chapter made me tear up. Great job translator! Can’t wait to see more chapters.
P.S. This is the first time I’ve seen such a unique take on the rebirth into babies situation, usually it’s always described as a blissful and heartwarming sensation but this is so much more intriguing.
16 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
uaxk7edhtf73rgg
uaxk7edhtf73rgg rated it
September 21, 2020
Status: c4
if the rest of the novel is as good as the first 4 chapters then this is my favourite novel.

the level of detail of being a new-born baby is off the charts, I never knew the life of a baby was so interesting..

let's pray for quicker translation (-/, -)
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Dirty Mick
Dirty Mick rated it
July 18, 2021
Status: c61
This guy spent 30plus chapters going into unnecessary detail on how the MC gets rich but when we finally get some combat the MC acts like a total rookie. His preparation was so bad it's laughable and then we go right back to the stock market shit. If I wanted to learn about the stock market i'd read a proper investment book not a korean webnovel
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scribbledoutname
scribbledoutname rated it
September 5, 2022
Status: c56
The author probably tried writing a book about the Korean stock market but it got rejected because it was too boring. Then, he had a sudden epiphany... why not reframe it as a regressor story to trick people into reading it?

Genius!

Did you come here to see an MC go back in time and kick ass? Tough luck! You get The Wolf of Korea Street!

99% of this story up until chapter 50 is basically just the contents of a Korean economy textbook interspersed with the MC closing deals with various randos... more>> -- in short, everything that every half-decent story would immediately skip. Maybe this story gets better but I've already endured at least 70, 000 words of this BS and my trust in the author has not only hit rock-bottom but burrowed through the soil and into the Earth's molten core.

And while it's a minor issue, I'm already complaining, so I'll throw just throw this in too:

Spoiler

The first chapter is kinda s*upid. How dafuq is birth the most painful moment a human will ever experience? I don't know where the author researched this, but he should really stop doing his research there.

[collapse]

However, I did enjoy the MC's relationship with his mother (from the very first chapter) and the MC's likeable personality overall.

Either way, I'm giving this one star to counter the misleadingly high reviews to stop other people from forcing themselves to read as many chapters as I did expecting the story's quality to skyrocket. It's well-written, but that's not the same as being interesting. <<less
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Kaguro
Kaguro rated it
September 17, 2021
Status: c60
Nothing happens for a really long time and even when it does nothing really changes. The overall focus in the novel is on the stock market, by word content it's probably 50% or more of the novel. He has supernatural powers but he hardly ever uses them, and the fights aren't very exciting. It almost feels like any time there's an action scene the author is trying to hurry through it so he can talk about the stock market again. Not a bad story, but it is boring.
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ousainou.adeniyi
ousainou.adeniyi rated it
February 15, 2021
Status: c33
Definitely hooked so far. This novel is very intriguing despite having the familiar Returner premise. That's because we readers are typically used to Returners using their future knowledge to boost the stats and become the most OP protagonist of all time, etc., etc. While that may still be the case for this novel by its end, I am still glad that for once the protagonist decided to be smart and fully take advantage of his future knowledge to make as much money as possible so that he can make full... more>> preparations for the end of the world.

It seems obvious, but you have no idea how many times I've rolled my eyes reading about these other muscled-brained protagonists who can't seem to ever think outside box. Doesn't it make more sense to become incredibly wealthy with your future knowledge and THEN use your immense wealth and influence to prepare the world, behind the scenes, for the apocalypse rather than be a "cool" one-man show just so people around you can admire of your "badassness" while still losing their lives?

This is novel however is a slow burn. I'm already 33 chapters in, and there hasn't been a single piece of action if you don't count his training. So far the focus has only been on the business side rather than any dungeon hunting. So if you're expecting a typical action-packed Returner novel, then you are going to be sorely disappointed. I've already checked, and this novel has almost 600 chapters, so there is a good chance that we won't see any real action until we're 100 or even 200 chapters in. <<less
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na101720
na101720 rated it
February 2, 2021
Status: c30
This is my favorite novel on this site. I am not good at writing reviews so here is a short one:

  • This novel goes into the world before people start becoming powerful so we will actually understand how things change
  • The MC actively prepares for this with his knowledge from a past life in a realistic manner.
  • It explains why he has his highly specific knowledge (he was a student in finance and was surrounded by people in that same group even after the dungeons) and why he can travel back in time.
  • Overall up to CH 30, it has all been preparations and we can see who the main character is from these chapters
  • If you want to see lots of action maybe wait till more chapters come out to start reading
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kjpo34
kjpo34
January 6, 2021
Status: c21
This is a really really interesting novel. I enjoyed the manhwa too! The financial parts so far are really fascinating - now that I’ve actually traded a bit I’ve realized what they’ve done and it’s enlightening. Haha if I ever went back in time I’ll do that XD

I hope everyone reads this - it’s filled with great details
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readingnu
readingnu rated it
December 28, 2020
Status: c20
Simply incredible! The detail, the character growth... it is simply a masterpiece that really needs more reads and attention. Also, I do not understand why people hate the business aspect explained in the chapters because to me those parts are very exhilarating and really hype you up. I really hope for more chapters!!!
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xnvesha.14
xnvesha.14 rated it
March 18, 2021
Status: c44
Love this novel!

I didn't quite get everything about stocks and all but I'm still enjoying the novel! It's nice to see a novel being realistic about such things with the MC having prior experience in the field when usually such things are done in a few chapters with an MC who doesn't even know stocks.

It's great that the MC isn't only concerned about earning achievements and becoming OP by himself but rather tries to take things in his hand to lower the casualties in the whole world! And I like... more>> how he isn't bothered to keep up a facade in front of his family and classmates. Although, he isn't revealing himself he is also not restraining himself too much just to conceal himself.

Now I'm just waiting for the MC to control the whole world in the palm of his hand with the power of money!!

And the translation is also amazing with helpful notes about difficult stock terms. It would have been way harder to read without them. <<less
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Cyanhart
Cyanhart rated it
January 5, 2021
Status: c21
If you love second chances, you'll enjoy this one!

I started this book chuckling at the outrageous premise, clearly one like the others. But as I continue, I realized just how unique this book is. So I've stopped what I was doing, and sat at our porch, with cigarettes in one hand, and coffee in the other. I finished exasperated! How could have I forgotten, it said only 21 chapters. It was a punched straight in the gut.
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yugmodnar
yugmodnar rated it
June 4, 2023
Status: c414
This is a haphazard mess of... everything honestly. A financial novel hashed together with sci-fi and other genre changes later, great novel and a long tedious bad novel, an intelligent novel with a ton of forethought and a completely irrational novel that doesn't make an ounce of sense, a cruelly pragmatic protagonist and a hero protagonist who will burden himself to protect innocents, a progression novel with little actual progression (either zero progression or extreme jumps), meaningful characters ... more>>
Spoiler

that just meaninglessly die or disappear without any impact

[collapse]
.

Above all, this a novel about the lengths to one will go to protect ones family... with next to no family interactions or appearances. The protagonist actually actively lies to and avoids them, even when it's detrimental to their mental and physical health. Even when it's detrimental to their lives! In fact, from the very beginning it's the family interactions that will leave you the most confused and frustrated with the sheer lack of logic and consistency.

You'll find these simple inconsistencies throughout the novel and they usually aren't handled well. I still recommend this novel. I can't say it gets better as it goes on, but it does continue to grow and expand the universe. <<less
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AbsAreHot
AbsAreHot
November 5, 2022
Status: c116
The author is misogynistic and fetishizes women sooo much. This pisses me off because the novel is (almost) otherwise impressive.

Here's an excerpt:
... more>>
Spoiler

"The hotel service team was busy looking for a dress that suited Woo Yeon-Hee's small body. As always, the best color for her was pure white."

[collapse]

Here's an example of how the author should have written it.

Spoiler

"The hotel service team did well on finding a dress that suited Woo Yeon-Hee's temperment. As always, long frills make her more confident."

[collapse]

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES. It's easy.

Spoiler

This character is supposed to be the innocent, cheerful, slightly clumsy, and selfless type. Yk that annoying troupe. That "pure" white was on purpose and her "small body". Ur not fooling anyone, sir. This is LA. As if they'd have trouble finding things for her.

[collapse]

There's also a time where he brought in a CEO for a company of his and she's hot. Lot's of bs reasons on why she had to be a young, hot, asian woman. She tries to seduce him by wearing revealing clothing, and it's clear that the MC thinks she's a desperate joke. "She's so obvious" kinda vibe.

And it's like dude stfu and let her live!! If u dont want her, I do. And yeah her game is obvious. Why is that shameful. U slept with a call girl later on, didn't you?!?! What's the problem ??

Also all her ideas are apparently a BIG no, just so you can prove your own smarts. You don't have to scoff at her. She's trying hard. You also love intimidating her for some reason. You're nice to literally everyone else. What is your problem, dude? Chill.

PLENTY OF OTHER EXAMPLES of these kind of comments and scenes!!

This novel also puts others down to make the make characters look good (b) . The author also proves their poor understanding of various topics throughout the novel (c) .

Example of b:

A military man is not preparing knives of low quality for his rich boss. But the quality is apparently lower than some random daggers bought by a woman with zero experience in both making knives and fighting with knives.

Example of c:

You just don't have a 49.9% chance of winning blackjack in any casino against a dealer. Also there's no way the dealer would be scolded over the house losing money over and over again to a patron. There is a rule for every scenario, so there is no reason to be scolded when the rules bear all the risk. <<less
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PSpaulo
PSpaulo rated it
August 9, 2022
Status: c176
This is one of the best regressor's novel ever.

Some really touching chapters, very emotion heavy, but the action takes a long time to start.

BTW, some people don't like it because they go in expecting the MC to regress and go super sayan stealing opportunities and kicking asses, there's not much face slapping, it's not a chinese novel.

There IS some of that but it's pretty rare, this is less focused on the action and more focused on the small things and details, business and money making, the MC creating connections and... more>> building the foundations for his future empire, planning organizations and buying land he knows there will be dungeons on in the future to monopolize it. It can get boring if your expecting action and adventure, even though there's a tag for those, they only happen much later in the story, but it's really great at what it does, when the action finally starts to take place, it's pretty heavy and gory. <<less
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