Upright official who served as Minister of Personnel, Rites and Inspector-General under Hyojong (pen name Cheonggu; posthumous title Chungik)
| Life | 1596 ~ 1652 |
| Era | 조선 중기 |
| Clan | 나주 임씨 |
Im Dam (1596-1652) was a Joseon official under Injo and Hyojong from Naju, courtesy name Jaesuk (載叔), pen name Cheonggu (淸癯), posthumous title Chungik (忠翼). He is counted as an 18th-generation descendant of Im Bi. Clan sources introduce him as a son of Im Seo, but his Wikipedia entry gives no parents.
He passed the civil examination in 1635 and served as royal secretary, Inspector-General, and Vice Minister of Personnel; after Hyojong's accession he was Inspector-General, Minister of Rites and Minister of Personnel. He took part in punishing Kim Ja-jeom's faction and enjoyed Hyojong's trust.
He is regarded as incorruptible and died suddenly on the way back from escorting a Qing envoy. A Segye Ilbo article says he defended Namhansanseong in the 1636 invasion and tells that his brother Im Yeon bought him a house because of his poverty. Some sources say he was posthumously made Chief State Councillor.
He served as royal secretary (1639), Inspector-General of Remonstrances (1648), chief royal secretary (1649), Vice Minister and Minister of Personnel, Inspector-General, and Minister of Punishments and Rites.
When Hyojong came to the throne he took part in punishing Kim Ja-jeom's group and enjoyed the king's trust.
He is regarded as incorruptible and died suddenly on his way back from escorting a Qing envoy. The family also credits a posthumous Chief State Councillor rank and the defense of Namhansanseong, but accounts differ and need checking.
His tomb was not confirmed here.
His great-great-grandson Im Han-ho became Third State Councillor under Sunjo.