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Youhyun Kim
Youhyun Kim (commonly known as Dennis Kim) is a South Korean professional poker player and a rising star in the international high-stakes circuit. He is currently one of the top-performing South Korean players, widely recognized for his dominance in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and APPT championships.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $752,585. His career-best cash of $105,988 was achieved in November 2025 at the APT Championship in Taipei, where he finished 3rd in the NT$ 150,000 High Roller event.
Kim has had a spectacular 2024 and 2025, recording numerous elite finishes across Asia:
- APT Championship Taipei (Nov 2025): 3rd place in the High Roller for $105,988.
- WSOP Paradise (Dec 2025): 279th in the $25,000 Super Main Event for $55,000 and 21st in the Turbo Bounty for $4,800.
- USOP Da Nang (May 2024): 3rd place in the High Roller Finale for ₫ 1,270,500,000 (∼$51,218).
- APPT Manila Championship (Oct 2025): Won a prestigious “Spadie” trophy and recorded several deep runs.
- APT Manila Classic (Feb 2025): 6th place in the ₱ 100,000 Single Day High Roller for ₱ 395,000 (∼$6,795).
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Kim has transitioned from a regional grinder to a top-tier international regular. He is currently ranked 35th on the South Korea All Time Money List and holds a prestigious Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 1,295th. Kim is a fixture in major series across the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan, frequently competing in high-roller and championship-level events. His rapid ascent has made him one of the most followed Korean players, with his profile reaching significant popularity in early 2026.
Play Style & Strategy
Kim is known for a highly aggressive and technical high-stakes tournament strategy, particularly excelling in the intense dynamics of High Roller and Single Day formats. His success in both major multi-day championships and fast-paced turbo events demonstrates a deep understanding of ICM (Independent Chip Model) and situational pressure. Whether navigating a $25,000 field at the WSOP Paradise or dominating a regional High Roller in Taipei, his ability to apply pressure and maintain composure against world-class professionals has solidified his status as a premier threat in the Asian poker landscape.
Derick Elomina is SoMuchPoker's Lead Content Writer and Interview Specialist, reporting live from WSOP bracelet events and Asia Pacific poker festivals such as TMT, APT, RDPT and APL Jeju, alongside player features and interviews for the site's Stories section. He discovered poker at 14 playing home games with friends, and by 21 he had entered the industry as a field reporter, starting as a hand reporter before building his current role on the tournament floor.
