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

Jinkwan Kim is a South Korean professional poker player who has quickly risen through the ranks of the Asian tournament circuit, establishing himself as a title-winner in the Philippines. He is widely recognized for his recent breakout performances in major regional festivals, including the All Japan Poker Championship (AJPC) and Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Jinkwan Kim has total live earnings of $53,186. He has experienced a meteoric rise in 2025, with nearly all of his recorded winnings coming from high-impact finishes in the Philippines and Taiwan. His career-best live cash occurred in July 2025 at the AJPC Samurai Circuit Philippines, where he outlasted a massive field to win the AJPC Main Event for PHP 2,789,700 (~$49,249).

In December 2025, Kim continued his success at the Manila Megastack 23 held at Okada Manila, finishing 38th in the Main Event for PHP 130,000 (~$2,209). Earlier in the year, he also found success on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) , cashing in the APPT National event for PHP 55,000 (~$969). Beyond the Philippines, he secured a 14th-place finish in the Players Series Taiwan Championship II Warm Up event for NTD 23,000 (~$760).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Kim has become a prominent figure in the “Samurai Circuit” and other Asian-focused tours. His rapid ascent in 2025 saw him climb over 500 spots on the South Korea All Time Money List, currently sitting at 592nd. While he maintains a presence in Seoul’s competitive local games, he has increasingly focused on the international circuit, targeting major festivals in Manila and Taipei where he has built a reputation as a dangerous “New School” competitor.

Play Style & Strategy

Kim is known for a highly aggressive and resilient tournament style, particularly excelling in large-field No Limit Hold’em championships. His victory in the AJPC Main Event demonstrates a strategy that balances patient accumulation during the early stages with high-pressure tactics at the final table. He has proven adept at navigating the unique field dynamics of Asian regional tours, where his technical post-flop play and ability to manage deep stacks have led to consistent cashes in prestigious events like the APPT and Manila Megastack.

Recent Attendances