Lee Nak-yon

Lee Nak-yon (Korean: 이낙연; Hanja: 李洛淵; born 20 December 1951) is a South Korean politician who served as the prime minister of South Korea from 2017 to 2020. A member of the New Future Democratic Party, Lee previously served as the governor of South Jeolla Province from 2014 to 2017. Before serving as governor, he worked as a journalist for over 20 years and served as a member of the National Assembly for four terms. Lee was chosen for the position of prime minister by President Moon Jae-in to keep his campaign promise to appoint his de facto deputy from Honam region. During his tenure as prime minister, Lee became well known for his forceful exchanges with opposition party leaders and adeptness at communicating with citizens. Prior to and following his victory in the crucial Jongno district in the 2020 legislative election against conservative Hwang Kyo-ahn, another probable presidential candidate, he was once considered a likely nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2022 South Korean presidential election. He lost the primary to Lee Jae-myung in October 2021.