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: 2026.01.08

Jinseok Kim is a South Korean professional poker player who has become a steady presence on the East Asian tournament circuit. Known for his tactical resilience and frequent cashes in regional mid-stakes series, he has established himself as a respected regular in the South Korean poker scene.

Career Earnings & Recent Results

According to the latest 2026 data from The Hendon Mob, Jinseok Kim has total live earnings of $19,542. While he has been active for several years, his 2025–2026 campaign has been marked by increased volume and consistency.

Notable career highlights include:

Ace Poker League (APL) Seoul: Secured a notable deep run in the KRW 1,000,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event, finishing in the money and helping solidify his local reputation.
Domestic Circuit (2025): Recorded multiple final table appearances in regional South Korean tours, including the WFP Syndrome and KSOP events held in Incheon and Seoul.
Super Cup Jeju (Jan 2026): Competed in the high-profile New Year series at the Lotte Hotel Jeju, contributing to his current standing on the South Korean national leaderboards.
Best Live Cash: His single largest tournament score to date is $3,616, reflecting a career focused on consistent, high-frequency cashes in competitive mid-stakes fields.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Kim is part of the established core of Korean grinders who have transitioned from the country’s high-energy “poker pub” culture to the professional casino environment. He is a frequent participant in major regional tours, including the Ace Poker League (APL), Korea Series of Poker (KSOP), and the Super Cup (SC).

Unlike some high-stakes specialists who travel exclusively for major international festivals, Kim maintains a strong presence at premier local venues like Paradise City in Incheon and the Landing Casino in Jeju. His steady progression through the ranks of the South Korean “All Time Money List” showcases a dedicated professional who prioritizes volume and long-term sustainability on the circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Kim is recognized for a disciplined and methodical play style. He is particularly effective in large-field Deepstack and Freezeout structures, where his ability to balance patient accumulation with strategic aggression allows him to outlast more volatile opponents.

Observers of the South Korean circuit note his sharp understanding of tournament dynamics, especially during the high-pressure “bubble” phases where he excels at protecting his stack while identifying exploitative edges. His consistency in mid-stakes events, where fields often exceed 500 entries, highlights a resilient mental game and an advanced technical baseline that makes him a constant threat in any No Limit Hold’em field in the region.

Recent Attendances