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

Junho Hyeon is a South Korean professional poker player who has quickly risen through the ranks of the Asian tournament circuit, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in major regional festivals like the APPT and APT.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Junho Hyeon has total earnings of $84,747. His career reached a new peak in 2025 during a highly successful campaign in the Philippines.

His career-best live cash of $15,937 was achieved in August 2025 at APPT Manila, where he finished 6th in the PHP 250,000 APPT High Roller. Just days prior, he recorded another massive score in the iconic PokerStars Red Dragon event, outlasting the majority of a 433-entry field to finish 8th for PHP 600,000 (∼$10,460). He has also demonstrated deep-run consistency in major main events, finishing 37th in the 2024 APT Manila Main Event for PHP 371,000 (∼$6,380) and 134th in the 2024 APPT Manila Main Event for PHP 153,000 (∼$2,630).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Junho Hyeon has become a prominent figure in the “New Era” of Korean poker. He is a frequent traveler on the international circuit, with a professional history that includes significant results in South Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

Hyeon built his initial experience in the competitive Korean domestic scene, frequently appearing at venues like Paradise City in Incheon. His transition to the global stage has been rapid; he is now a regular at high-stakes stops such as Okada Manila and the Asia Poker Arena in Taipei, where he has successfully challenged some of the world’s most elite professional players in High Roller formats.

Play Style & Strategy

Hyeon is known for a resilient and highly analytical tournament strategy, a hallmark of the modern South Korean professional. His ability to navigate massive, aggressive fields, evidenced by his deep runs in the Red Dragon and APT Main Event, demonstrates a strong command of ICM awareness and stack management.

His strategy appears particularly effective in high-stakes environments, where he balances a patient, fundamental-driven approach with calculated aggression. Whether competing in a multi-day championship or a dense High Roller field, Hyeon’s composure at the table and his ability to switch gears during the “bubble” and final table phases make him one of the most dangerous and consistent mid-to-high stakes regulars currently emerging from South Korea.

Recent Attendances