Rumors have been circulating that LIV is poaching two South Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. One of them was Si Woo Kim, and the other was Sungjae Im. There is no official confirmation on the rumors yet. However, while Si Woo Kim’s involvement is unknown, there is an update on Sungjae Im’s status.

A source close to the PGA Tour denies any truth in Sungjae Im joining the rival circuit. “There’s “zero truth” to the Sungjae Im report, per a source,” wrote Cameron Jourdan in an X post.

LIV is going through some significant changes, be it rebranding its teams or adding new members to the roster. Amid rumors of Brooks Koepka leaving the Saudi-backed league to be back with the PGA Tour, LIV was reportedly poaching PGA Tour members. And it seemed true because one of them was in significant negotiations to make a deal.

Reports from Flushing It Golf suggested Si Woo Kim was deep into talks to join LIV Golf’s Iron Heads GC for 2026. But it was not just Si Woo Kim. The same discussion also looped in Im as a potential addition. That idea gained momentum after Josh Carpenter noted the possible effect such exits could have on the International Presidents Cup team. Reposting the same, Cameron Jourdan denied any truth to Sungjae Im’s involvement, per a close source.

Meanwhile, Sliced Podcast’s host Sam Harrop echoed that stance through his own post, stating he had it on “very good authority” that Sungjae Im is staying where he is. Im’s schedule backs up that assessment, as he continues to be one of the most active golfers on the PGA Tour.

Im had 28 starts in 2025. Of them, he made the cut in 20 events. His best performance came at the season-opener, The Sentry. The 2x PGA Tour winner finished solo 3rd with a score of 29 under par. Currently, he sits at No. 42 in the world and has represented the International side in three Presidents Cups.

The same goes for Si Woo Kim, too. The 4x PGA Tour winner has had 30 starts in 2025, of which he missed the cut in 8. With 3 top-10 and 13 top-25 finishes, Si Woo Kim also had a decent season.

While Sungjae Im was part of the Presidents Cup in 2019, 2022, and 2024, Si Woo Kim played the team event in 2017, 2022, and 2024.

Both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour would want to attract Sungjae Im and other Korean golfers.

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South Korean golfers are central to both tours’ strategies

South Korean golfers anchor strategies for both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf because of their proven talent, massive home market, and sponsorship appeal. The country boasts the world’s third-largest golf economy. It has high per-capita spending on gear and apparel, fueling corporate investments from brands like TaylorMade and Titleist. This positions Korean stars as key to fan engagement, TV revenue, and global expansion.

South Korea’s golf industry exceeds $4.5 billion annually. It is driven by screen golf popularity and elite player production, making it a prime target for tours seeking sponsorships and viewership. LIV Golf debuted in Korea in 2025 at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club with Coupang Play as a partner. The league leveraged local stars like Kevin Na’s Iron Heads GC team. The team includes Korean-born Yubin Jang and Danny Lee. This helped boost attendance and cultural resonance.

The PGA Tour also relies heavily on some Korean stars. Many fans arrive at the course to see golfers like Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim.

Both tours vie for Koreans to claim market dominance. However, LIV Golf is significantly trying to build its market in Asian countries. The league is also adding one more spot in its roster for Asian golfers. Instead of one, LIV will offer a contract to two top rankers on the Asian Order of Merit.

Sungjae Im’s name now appears cleared, while Kim’s next steps remain under watch. As the landscape shifts, clarity around each player’s direction will shape upcoming international team dynamics.