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

Minguk Han is a rising professional poker player from South Korea who has recently begun making a name for himself on the Asian tournament circuit. While he is part of a newer generation of Korean grinders, his consistent deep runs in local and regional series suggest a player with a high technical ceiling.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Minguk Han has total live earnings of $5,850. While his current documented lifetime total is modest compared to veteran high-rollers, his recent form in late 2025 has established him as a serious contender in mid-stakes fields.

Notable career highlights include:

Super Cup Jeju (Dec 2025): Han recorded his career-best live cash in the KRW 400,000 No Limit Hold’em – Kickoff (Event #1). Navigating a field of 440 entries, he reached the final table and finished in 7th place, earning KRW 4,100,000 (~$2,843).
Asian Poker Tour (APT ) Standing: He is a frequent participant in APT events and is expected to be a prominent figure in the APT Jeju Classic 2026, which kicked off in late January.
2025 GPI Ranking: As of early 2026, he reached a career-high Global Poker Index rank of #126,793, reflecting his increasing volume on the professional circuit.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Han is a staple in the competitive poker scene that has flourished in Jeju and Seoul. He is part of the “Super Cup” era of players who have benefited from the explosion of structured, multi-day tournaments in South Korean luxury resorts like the Lotte Hotel Jeju and Paradise City.

Han is often recognized for his disciplined approach to the game, moving away from the high-variance style often associated with regional recreational players. He primarily competes in South Korea but has shown interest in the wider Asian circuit, including potential stops in Taiwan and Vietnam. His trajectory from local “poker pub” environments to a final table appearance at a major regional series like the Super Cup indicates a player dedicated to the professional grind.

Play Style & Strategy

Han is known for a tight-aggressive (TAG) play style that prioritizes mathematical soundness and patience. He excels in the early and middle stages of tournaments, where his ability to protect his stack and identify high-value spots allows him to navigate into the money consistently.

Observers of the South Korean circuit note his composure at final tables, a trait that helped him outlast over 400 players in his recent Jeju deep run. He is particularly adept at the “Kickoff” format, which requires a blend of fast-paced decision-making and strategic preservation as the field narrows. As he continues to gain experience against international fields, Han is expected to transition more into High Roller and Main Event structures where his patient tactical baseline can be fully utilized.

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