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Donghyun Kim is a South Korean professional poker player who has become a highly influential figure on the Asian poker circuit, widely recognized as a dominant force in both High Roller events and large-field championships. He holds the prestigious distinction of being the #1 ranked player on the Macau All Time Money List.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Donghyun Kim has total live earnings of $1,422,239. He is a member of the elite "Million Dollar Club" in live tournament poker. His career-best live cash was recorded in March 2023 in Vietnam, where he secured a massive score of $503,800.
In 2025, Kim has maintained a relentless schedule, particularly in the Philippines. During the ACE Poker League (APL) Manila in March 2025, he finished 6th in the Super High Roller for PHP 619,000 (~$10,680). He also showcased his endurance in large-field events, finishing 70th out of 1,354 entries in the Philippine Poker Millions Main Event for PHP 140,000 (~$2,452) and 67th in the Manila Megastack 22 Main Event for PHP 85,000 (~$1,487). Most recently, in October 2025, he cashed in the APPT Manila Championship Okada Kickoff for PHP 30,000 (~$517).
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from South Korea and frequently associated with the high-stakes scene in Macau, Kim has transitioned into a global circuit regular. He is a familiar face at major international festivals, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he has recorded multiple cashes. His background as a former APT Philippines champion (2022) solidified his reputation as a premier talent in Southeast Asia. Over the last decade, he has consistently climbed the rankings, currently holding top-tier positions on both the South Korean and Macau All Time Money Lists.
Play Style & Strategy
Kim is known for a sophisticated and fearless play style that excels in both technical High Roller fields and massive multi-day events. His victory in the APT High Roller and his consistent results in the APL and APPT suggest a strategy that effectively leverages aggressive stack management and deep-stack technical proficiency. He is particularly dangerous in high-stakes environments, where his ability to read elite opponents and apply maximum pressure has led to several seven-figure career milestones. His versatility is further evidenced by his success in varied formats, including Tag Team events and Mystery Bounty tournaments across Taiwan and Vietnam.
About the Editor
Derick Elomina is Somuchpoker's Lead Content Writer and Interview Specialist, reporting live from WSOP bracelet events and Asia Pacific poker festivals such as TMT, APT, RDPT and APL Jeju, alongside player features and interviews for the site's Stories section. He discovered poker at 14 playing home games with friends, and by 21 he had entered the industry as a field reporter, starting as a hand reporter before building his current role on the tournament floor.