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

Taegeun Lee is a highly respected South Korean professional poker player who has become a major force on the Asian tournament circuit. Known for his resilience and massive scores in high-volume fields, Lee has transitioned from a consistent mid-stakes grinder to a high-stakes contender with major final table appearances in prestigious tours like the Ace Poker League (APL) and Super Cup.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to the latest 2026 data from The Hendon Mob, Taegeun Lee has total live earnings of $107,078. His career reached a historic peak in October 2023 at the Ace Poker League (APL) Seoul, where he delivered a career-defining performance.

Notable career highlights include:

APL Seoul (Oct 2023): 4th Place in the KRW 800,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event for a massive KRW 122,000,000 (~$90,096). This result remains his largest single live cash and one of the highest payouts for a Korean player in a regional main event that year.
Super Cup Jeju (Jan 2026): Continued his consistent form with an 18th-place finish in the KRW 575,000 + 225,000 Mystery Bounty (Event #18) for KRW 1,900,000 (~$1,319).
WPL x KSOP Live Series (2024): Secured a 21st-place finish in the Main Event for KRW 7,200,000 (~$5,481).
KSOP National Series (2024): Finished 17th in the Main Event for KRW 1,000,000 (~$751), showcasing his ability to navigate through hundreds of runners in domestic fields.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Lee is a staple in the high-stakes ecosystem of Seoul, Incheon, and Jeju. He is frequently seen at the Paradise City and Lotte Hotel Jeju, where the largest domestic prize pools are typically generated.

Lee is often grouped with a generation of Korean players who have mastered the “poker pub” meta and scaled their games to the international casino level. His breakthrough $90,000 score in 2023 catapulted him into the upper echelon of the South Korean All-Time Money List (currently ranked within the Top 300). He is a frequent traveler for major series including the Ace Poker League (APL), Korea Series of Poker (KSOP), and the Super Cup.

Play Style & Strategy

Lee is recognized for a disciplined and technically sound play style, characterized by exceptional patience in deep-stack structures. His 4th-place finish in the APL Seoul Main Event, a tournament known for its grueling structure and massive field, highlights his mental stamina and ability to make high-pressure decisions under the lights of a televised final table.

His strategy excels in “Main Event” and “Mystery Bounty” formats, where he utilizes a sharp understanding of tournament dynamics to maintain a healthy stack during the volatile middle stages. Known for his calm table presence and meticulous hand reading, Lee is considered one of the most reliable and dangerous players currently active on the South Korean professional circuit.

Recent Attendances