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: 2025.12.30

Hyun Jong Kim is a South Korean professional poker player who has established himself as a versatile and consistent competitor on the Asian poker circuit, particularly excelling in high-pressure bounty and turbo formats.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $17,422. He is currently ranked 1,597th on the South Korea All Time Money List. Kim’s career-best live cash of $7,407 was achieved in August 2025 at APPT Manila, where he secured a 5th-place finish in the Mini Main Event.

His recent tournament results highlight his strong performance across major Asian tours:

APPT Manila (August 2025): 5th place in the PHP 30,000 Mini Main Event for PHP 423,000 (∼$7,407).
Poker Dream 18 Malaysia (August 2025): 2nd place in the RM 1,000 Mystery Bounty – Turbo for RM 9,952 (∼$2,354).
Poker Dream 18 Malaysia (August 2025): 3rd place in the RM 1,000 No Limit Hold’em – Hyper Turbo for RM 6,000 (∼$1,419).
APPT Manila (August 2025): 17th place in the PHP 40,000 Mystery Bounty for PHP 94,000 (∼$1,646).
Poker Dream 18 Malaysia (August 2025): 2nd place in the RM 1,000 Seven-Card Stud – Hyper Turbo for RM 2,832 (∼$668).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Kim has become a regular fixture at major festivals hosted by the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and Poker Dream. While his early recorded results date back to 2020 in local Korean events like the Monster High Roller in Ilsan, his professional activity surged significantly in 2025 as he began traveling to international hubs like Manila and Kuala Lumpur. His ability to compete at a high level across different countries has solidified his reputation as a rising regular in the Southeast Asian market.

Play Style & Strategy

Kim is recognized for his proficiency in fast-paced and high-variance tournament structures, specifically excelling in “Hyper Turbo” and “Mystery Bounty” formats. These events require a high degree of mathematical precision and the ability to make rapid, accurate decisions under pressure. His versatility is further evidenced by his podium finish in Seven-Card Stud, demonstrating a technical understanding of poker variants beyond standard No Limit Hold’em. His strategy focuses on leveraging late-stage volatility, a skill that has allowed him to secure multiple top-three finishes in some of the region’s most competitive fields.

Recent Attendances