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: 2025.12.18

Kihyun Poong is a South Korean professional poker player who has become an active and successful competitor on the Asian circuit, particularly excelling in the high-pressure environments of hyper-turbo and short-deck formats. He is recognized as a rising mid-stakes talent within the South Korean poker community, frequently traveling to major regional festivals in the Philippines and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Kihyun Poong has total live earnings of $21,554. He has experienced a breakout year in 2025, significantly increasing his profile through a series of high-impact finishes in Manila. His career-best live cash was recorded during the Manila Megastack 23 in PokerStars LIVE Manila last December 2025, where he finished 3rd in the Super Hyper Turbo for PHP 52,000 (~$885).

Poong has demonstrated particular proficiency in specialized tournament formats. During the same Manila Megastack 23 series, he secured another 3rd-place finish in the 6+ Hold’em for PHP 37,000 (~$630). Earlier in 2025, he showcased his consistency in large-field turbo events, finishing 6th in the Manila Megastack 22 Megastack Turbo for PHP 64,600 (~$1,100). His trajectory shows a player who has rapidly climbed the South Korea All Time Money List through high-volume tournament play.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Poong has transitioned from local series like the Korea Series of Poker (KSOP) to becoming a regular fixture at international venues like PokerStars LIVE Manila. He first gained traction on the domestic circuit with final table appearances in the KSOP Mega Champions League and KSOP City Tour in late 2023 and early 2024. Since then, he has focused his efforts on the burgeoning Southeast Asian market, where he has successfully navigated the competitive fields of the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Manila Megastack series.

Play Style & Strategy

Poong is known for a highly aggressive and tactical approach, showing exceptional proficiency in fast-structured “Turbo” and “Hyper Turbo” tournaments. His consistent success in these formats suggests a strategy that excels in the late-stage, high-variance phases of play, where short-stack technical awareness and precise shove-fold decisions are paramount. Additionally, his 3rd-place finish in the Manila Megastack 6+ Hold’em event highlights his versatility and ability to adapt to the unique mathematical requirements of short-deck poker. He is particularly dangerous at final tables, where he effectively uses his tactical knowledge to navigate complex ICM scenarios.

Recent Attendances