Im Kkeok-jeong (Korean: 임꺽정; Hanja: 林巪正; 1521–1562[a]) was the leader of a peasant rebellion in the Hwanghae Province during 1559 to 1562, which started due to heavy taxation.
His organisation, the Noklimdang, started off as a small group, but grew as they began killing the rich and giving food to the poor.
Im was born to a butcher of Baekjeong status from Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, but the exact family clan is unknown.
According to one theory, he became a bandit after his father was murdered by a provincial governor, but the exact reason why he became a thief is unknown.
When the public sentiment became bitter due to political confusion and corruption of officials, he rallied the disgruntled elements and plundered private houses, but the servants and the people did not help.