Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2025.12.23

Hogyun Kang is a South Korean professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent figure in the Asian poker circuit, recognized for his high-volume play and consistent results in major regional festivals across Taiwan, the Philippines, and South Korea. He is widely regarded as a formidable mid-to-high stakes competitor, frequently appearing at the final tables of the most prestigious tours in the region.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Hogyun Kang has total earnings of $685,923. He currently holds the 38th position on the South Korea All Time Money List and has comfortably surpassed the $500,000 career milestone. His career-defining performance occurred in November 2025 at the Asian Poker Tour – APT Championship Taipei, where he finished 3rd in the NTD 75,000 High Roller Ultra Stack for a career-best score of NTD 2,709,200 (~$86,696).

Throughout 2025, Kang has been exceptionally active, securing a major title at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila Championship by winning the PHP 90,000 High Roller – Hyper Turbo for PHP 533,806 (~$9,120). He also demonstrated his ability to navigate elite fields with an 8th-place finish in the PHP 70,000 PokerStars Red Dragon for PHP 520,000 (~$8,962) and a 4th-place finish in the Natural8 Open High Roller in Taipei for NTD 240,000 (~$7,875). His consistent results in high-stakes environments, including a victory in the WPC Season 6 Super High Roller Premium for KRW 46,000,000 (~$32,357), have significantly boosted his status within the Asian poker community.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea and currently residing there, Kang has transitioned into a dedicated “circuit grinder” with a primary focus on the booming Asian market. While his recorded tournament history includes results dating back to 2022, his activity surged significantly in 2024 and 2025 as he began traveling to international stops in Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. His rapid ascent through the national rankings, where he now sits among the top 40 players in South Korea, has established him as a premier professional in the region.

Play Style & Strategy

Kang is known for an aggressive and highly adaptable tournament strategy, particularly excelling in fast-paced Hyper Turbo and High Roller formats where he has secured multiple career titles. His victory in the APPT Manila High Roller – Hyper Turbo and his deep run in the APT Taipei High Roller Ultra Stack highlight a strong technical proficiency in navigating elite, small-field environments under high pressure. He is particularly effective in high-stakes fields where his ability to adjust his strategy to the specific field dynamics, whether in deep-stacked championships or short-stacked turbo events, allows him to consistently extract value and maintain a high cash rate.

Recent Attendances