Lee Nak-yon[note 1] (Korean: 이낙연; Hanja: 李洛淵; born 20 December 1951)[1][2][3] is a South Korean politician who served as the prime minister of South Korea from 2017 to 2020.[4][5] A member of the New Future Democratic Party, Lee previously served as the governor of South Jeolla Province from 2014 to 2017.[4] 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.[6] During his tenure as prime minister, Lee became well known for his forceful exchanges with opposition party leaders and adeptness at communicating with citizens.[7] 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.[8][9] He lost the primary to Lee Jae-myung in October 2021.