The Selfish Romance Chapter 52: 5 Shocking Moments That Define Hyeondo And Yumin's New Reality

The highly anticipated release of Selfish Romance Chapter 52, part of the gripping second season of the popular webtoon, marks a critical turning point for the main couple, Hyeondo Oh and Yumin Choi. As of this current date in late 2025, fans are dissecting the fallout from the intense cliffhanger of Chapter 51, where Hyeondo decisively pulled Yumin back into the elevator, leaving their meddling ex-partners stunned and shut out. This chapter is less about explosive drama and more about the quiet, tense aftermath—a crucial moment where the 'fake' dating premise of The Selfish Romance finally collapses into a very real, and very complicated, relationship.

The entire premise of Selfish Romance (also known as Selfish Love Theory) revolves around two emotionally guarded individuals in their 30s who agree to a mutually beneficial ‘fake dating’ contract to provoke their respective ex-lovers. Chapter 52 is the moment the contract becomes irrelevant, forcing Hyeondo and Yumin to confront the genuine, undeniable feelings that have developed amidst their selfish charade. The chapter delivers a deep dive into their internal struggles, setting the stage for the rest of Season 2’s emotional journey.

The Complete Cast and Creative Team: Building Topical Authority

To fully appreciate the narrative weight of Chapter 52, it is essential to understand the complex web of characters and the talented creator behind Selfish Romance. The series is a masterpiece of modern Korean romance manhwa, published digitally by Webtoon Entertainment, and created by the acclaimed author Gyogyo Park.

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The story’s core conflict is driven by a carefully crafted set of main and supporting entities, each with their own selfish motivations and emotional baggage. The following list of key characters and related entities is essential for understanding the dynamics leading into Chapter 52:

• Main Protagonists:
  • Yumin Choi: The Female Lead (FL), an ordinary woman in her 30s who enters the fake relationship to win back her ex.
  • Hyeondo Oh: The Male Lead (ML), a man who views relationships as transactional, but whose feelings for Yumin are rapidly becoming genuine.
• The Ex-Partners (The Antagonistic Entities):
  • Iseon Kim: Yumin’s ex-boyfriend, who is indifferent but starts showing interest again when he sees Yumin and Hyeondo together.
  • Sojeong Hong: Hyeondo’s ex-girlfriend, who is possessive and attempts to manipulate her way back into his life, often by trying to get close to Iseon to separate the main couple.
• Supporting Characters & Entities:
  • Jihui: A close friend or coworker of one of the main leads, often providing emotional support.
  • Taegeun Lee: Another supporting character, likely a coworker or friend of Hyeondo.
  • Hagyeong: A secondary character involved in the social circle.
  • Sori: A minor character mentioned in the cast list.
  • Webtoon Entertainment: The official English publisher.
  • Naver Webtoon: The original Korean publisher.
  • Gyogyo Park: The author and artist of the manhwa.
  • Selfish Love Theory: The alternative title of the series in Korean (이기적 연애론).
  • Season 2: The current narrative arc where Chapter 52 resides.
  • The Fake Dating Contract: The central plot device that brought Hyeondo and Yumin together.
  • The Elevator Cliffhanger: The dramatic conclusion of Chapter 51 that directly precedes Chapter 52.
  • The Office Setting: The primary workplace environment for the leads.

The Aftermath of Chapter 51: The Elevator Confession

Chapter 52 is defined by the moment that concluded Chapter 51. The “elevator cliffhanger” was a dramatic, impulsive act by Hyeondo, who, in a flash of genuine emotion, pulled Yumin back into the closing elevator doors, effectively trapping them together and shutting out their exes, Iseon and Sojeong.

This action was a non-verbal confession. It was the moment Hyeondo’s mask of calculated indifference completely broke. The tension in Chapter 52 is almost entirely contained within the small, confined space of the elevator. While some readers found the chapter "uneventful" in terms of major plot twists, its true significance lies in the raw, honest dialogue—or lack thereof—that takes place.

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The chapter begins with a palpable silence. Yumin is left speechless, realizing that Hyeondo’s action was not part of their ‘selfish’ plan, but a visceral reaction to the threat of losing her. This forced proximity and silence allows both characters to process the full weight of their feelings. It’s a classic romance trope used effectively: the confined space forces an emotional confrontation that has been building for over 50 chapters.

The Five Key Moments That Define Chapter 52

The events of Chapter 52, while subtle, are monumental for the development of Hyeondo and Yumin’s relationship. They mark the definitive shift from a contractual arrangement to a real, albeit complicated, romance. Here are the five most significant moments:

1. The Unspoken Question: Yumin’s silence forces Hyeondo to address his impulse. He doesn't apologize for his selfishness, but rather justifies it by acknowledging his growing feelings. This is a crucial step for the emotionally stunted Hyeondo.
2. Yumin’s Request for Time: Instead of immediately reciprocating or rejecting him, Yumin asks Hyeondo to wait. This shows her maturity; she is no longer chasing Iseon and needs time to fully process her feelings for Hyeondo and ensure they are genuine and not a rebound. This moment of communication is praised by fans for its realism.
3. The Broken Contract: Though not explicitly stated, the emotional exchange in the elevator effectively terminates the ‘fake dating’ contract. Their relationship is now operating without a safety net, based purely on their own evolving desires.
4. Hyeondo’s Acceptance: The male lead, known for his impatience and transactional view of love, agrees to wait for Yumin. This act of patience is the strongest evidence of his true love for her, demonstrating a profound character development that fans have been waiting for since Season 1.
5. The Exes’ Reaction (Off-Panel): The chapter’s tension is amplified by the knowledge of Iseon and Sojeong's fury outside the elevator. This scene confirms their failure to break the couple and sets up their desperate attempts to retaliate in subsequent chapters, solidifying Hyeondo and Yumin as a united front.

The Future of Selfish Romance: What Chapter 53 Holds

Chapter 52 serves as the quiet eye of the storm. It’s the necessary pause for the main couple before the true chaos of Season 2 begins. The resolution reached in the elevator—Yumin’s request for time and Hyeondo’s agreement to wait—means their relationship will now be tested by external forces.

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The core conflict will now shift from internal struggles (Hyeondo’s detachment, Yumin’s lingering feelings for Iseon) to external threats. Fans anticipate a major team-up between the two ex-partners, Sojeong Hong and Iseon Kim, as they attempt a final, desperate move to separate Hyeondo and Yumin. This is a common narrative device in romance manhwa, and the groundwork for Sojeong trying to get close to Iseon has already been laid.

Furthermore, the chapter firmly establishes the theme of mature romance. Unlike younger protagonists, Hyeondo and Yumin are in their 30s and are dealing with the complexities of career, social standing, and emotional baggage from long-term relationships. Their decision to communicate and respect each other's needs, as seen in Chapter 52, elevates the series beyond simple romantic comedy into a compelling drama about adult love and self-discovery. The ‘selfish’ aspect of their romance is slowly being replaced by a genuine, selfless commitment, which is the true beauty of the ongoing narrative.

For fans eager for the next step, Chapter 53 is expected to pick up the pace, showing the immediate consequences of the elevator scene on their professional and social lives. The narrative is now fully focused on whether their new, real relationship can withstand the combined 'selfish' machinations of their former lovers. Keep an eye on official Webtoon platforms for the latest releases of this captivating and emotionally rich manhwa.