Soo Jo Kim, widely known in the poker community as “SJ Kim,” is a prominent South Korean professional poker player who stands as a major figure in the Asian high-stakes circuit and a top-ten fixture on his nation’s all-time money list.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With over $2.3 million in total live earnings, Soo Jo Kim currently ranks 10th on the South Korea All Time Money List, according to The Hendon Mob. A frequent presence at the final tables of Asia’s most prestigious festivals, his career-best score came in early 2024 during a massive high-roller run in Vietnam.

His most notable tournament results include:

2nd place in Billionaire Club Challenge at USOP Da Nang (2024) for VND 4,373,600,000 (~$176,457).
1st place in No Limit Hold’em at WFP Starwars in Yongsan-gu (2023) for KRW 170,000,000 (~$126,984).
2nd place in Super High Roller at WFP Syndrome 5 in Incheon (2023) for KRW 163,000,000 (~$125,321).
2nd place in High Roller at 18th Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) in Taipei (2025) for TWD 598,000 (~$20,293).
11th place in Asian Poker Tour (APT) Manila Main Event (2024) for PHP 1,117,000 (~$19,184).

These high-profile finishes across South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines have solidified his status as one of the most consistent and profitable players in the region.

Biography & Poker Background

Based in Seoul, South Korea, Soo Jo Kim has been a mainstay of the live poker scene for over a decade. He is a primary ambassador for the booming South Korean domestic circuit, frequently headlining events for World Focused Poker (WFP) and the Ace Poker League (APL). Beyond his home turf, Kim is a respected international traveler, having recorded cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas and the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Barcelona, proving his skill translates to global fields.

Play Style & Strategy

Soo Jo Kim is recognized for his aggressive and highly technical approach to No Limit Hold’em. He is particularly effective in High Roller and Super High Roller formats, where the fields are elite and the ICM pressure is maximum. His ability to maintain composure during deep runs in high-stakes “Billionaire” and “Challenger” events suggests a strategy rooted in modern analytical play and a deep understanding of short-handed dynamics.

The Best of Soo Jo Kim: Exclusive Poker Image Gallery