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: 2026.01.02

Jaejoong Kim is a professional poker player from South Korea who has rapidly climbed the regional leaderboards, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the major Asian and Southeast Asian circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Jaejoong Kim has accumulated total earnings of $216,352. His career reached a significant milestone in 2025, a year that accounted for over $91,000 of his lifetime winnings and saw him surpass the $100,000 earnings mark.

His career-best live cash of $23,099 was part of a dominant series of performances across Taiwan and the Philippines. In May 2025, he secured a runner-up finish in the Asia Poker Championship (APC) Taiwan NTD 50,000 Super High Roller for NTD 566,800 (∼$18,767). He further solidified his reputation by winning the Vietnam Poker Tour (VPT) Hyper Turbo High Roller in April 2025 for VND 72,700,000 (∼$2,819). His consistency is evidenced by deep runs in premier events, including a 116th-place finish in the WPT Prime Taiwan Championship and a 74th-place finish in the 2025 APPT Manila Main Event.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Jaejoong Kim has transitioned into a highly active “circuit nomad,” frequently competing in major hubs such as Taipei, Manila, and Da Nang. Currently ranked 136th on the South Korea All Time Money List, he represents the wave of high-volume Korean professionals dominating the modern Asian poker boom.

While his early career saw steady cashes in local Korean series like the Super Cup in Incheon, his trajectory shifted dramatically in 2023 and 2024 as he began traveling the international circuit full-time. He is now a staple figure at the Asia Poker Arena in Taipei and Okada Manila, where he consistently competes in both massive-field championships and elite High Roller formats.

Play Style & Strategy

Kim is known for an adaptable and resilient tournament strategy, demonstrating a particular proficiency in navigating the high-pressure dynamics of High Roller and Turbo events. His ability to secure multiple podium finishes in varying formats, from the disciplined play required for a Super High Roller to the rapid decision-making of a Hyper Turbo, highlights his tactical flexibility.

His results in large-field events like the Zodiac Snake Main Event, where he outlasted over 1,400 entries, suggest a strong command of modern tournament theory and stack management. This ability to switch gears between aggressive accumulation and calculated survival at final tables makes him one of the most dangerous and consistent mid-to-high stakes regulars currently emerging from the South Korean professional community.

Recent Attendances