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Kyunghwan Lee is a South Korean professional poker player who has established a significant presence in the international tournament circuit, maintaining dual residences in South Korea and College Station, Texas. He is particularly recognized for his high-volume play and consistent final table appearances in technical series across Asia and the United States.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Kyunghwan Lee has total live earnings of $182,834. His career-best live cash of KRW 53,000,000 (~$39,419) was achieved in January 2024 at the WPL X KSOP Live Series Season 3 in Seoul, where he secured a 1st-place victory in the High Roller event.
Lee has maintained an incredibly active schedule throughout 2025. In December 2025, he navigated a massive international field at the Manila Megastack 23 in the Philippines, finishing 78th in the Main Event for PHP 86,000 (~$1,461). Earlier that year, he recorded a 19th-place finish in the APPT Manila Championship Mini Championship for PHP 84,000 (~$1,432) and a 38th-place result in the All Japan Poker Championship (AJPC) Samurai Circuit Philippines for PHP 72,800 (~$1,285). His diverse resume also includes a runner-up finish in the MSL Events Sungnam for KRW 28,000,000 (~$22,638) and multiple final tables in the Ace Poker League (APL) . These consistent performances have placed him 164th on the South Korea All Time Money List.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from South Korea, Lee represents the growing wave of modern Korean professionals who balance domestic success with frequent international travel. He built his professional foundation grinding high-stakes local series such as the Korea Series of Poker (KSOP) and WFP Syndrome, where he frequently appeared at final tables in both Main Events and High Roller structures. His transition to the international stage has seen him compete in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Online, the Texas Card House Trailblazer Poker Tour in Houston, and major championship stops in Vietnam and the Philippines.
Play Style & Strategy
Lee is recognized for a disciplined and resilient play style, particularly excelling in the high-pressure environment of High Roller and large-field Main Event formats. His ability to secure a victory in the KSOP High Roller demonstrates a strong grasp of technical short-handed play and late-stage tournament aggression. Known for his tactical flexibility, his strategy effectively balances the math-heavy, GTO-influenced approach common in South Korean fields with the exploitative adjustments needed to navigate massive, diverse international fields in hubs like Manila and Las Vegas.
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.
