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: 2026.01.03

Minseok Kim is a South Korean professional poker player based in Seoul who has rapidly climbed the national leaderboards, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the “New Era” of Asian poker. He is currently ranked 167th on the South Korea All Time Money List and is recognized for his high-volume consistency in major regional festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Minseok Kim has total earnings of $181,564. His career reached a significant milestone in October 2025 during a highly successful campaign in the Philippines and South Korea.

His career-best live cash of $43,573 was achieved during a breakout period in 2024. In late 2025, he captured a major title at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship, winning the PHP 35,000 APPT Mini Championship for PHP 1,348,545 (∼$22,997). Earlier that month, he demonstrated his elite status in high-roller fields by finishing 3rd in the Super Cup in Incheon KRW 5,000,000 Super High Roller for KRW 28,000,000 (∼$19,824). He has also secured titles on the Holdem Grand Prix (HGP) circuit, including a victory in the METIS Main Event Monster Turbo in January 2024 for KRW 2,500,000 (∼$1,867).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Kim has become a central figure in the booming Seoul poker scene. He crossed the $100,000 career earnings milestone in early 2025, reflecting a transition from a local standout to a consistent international threat.

Kim’s professional trajectory is characterized by his versatility across different regional stops; while he is a staple at Paradise City in Incheon and various venues in Seoul, he frequently travels to the Philippines and Taiwan to compete in prestigious tours like the APPT and WPT Prime. His background in the highly competitive South Korean market, where he has recorded dozens of cashes since 2021, has provided the foundational skills necessary to thrive in the aggressive dynamics of the Asian poker circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Kim is known for an adaptable and resilient tournament strategy, demonstrating a particular proficiency in navigating the high-pressure environments of Mini Championships and Turbo formats. His ability to consistently reach final tables, evidenced by his podium finishes in both high-roller and massive-field events, highlights a strong command of modern tournament theory and stack management.

He is especially dangerous in “short-handed” and “high-speed” structures, where his strategy effectively balances a solid fundamental foundation with calculated aggression. This tactical flexibility, combined with his composure at the table during deep championship runs, makes him one of the most promising and respected professionals currently emerging from the South Korean poker community.

Recent Attendances