Righteous-army leader of Left Jeolla in the Imjin War; courtesy name Hongbo, pen name Samdo
| Life | 1528 ~ 1597 |
| Era | 조선 중기 |
| Clan | 장흥 임씨 |
Im Gye-yeong (1528-1597) was a mid-Joseon righteous-army leader of the Jangheung Im clan, courtesy name Hongbo and pen name Samdo. He passed the special civil examination in 1576, served as magistrate of Jinbo, and went home after his term. He is known as the clan's best-known righteous-army figure, and English Wikipedia also cites him among those who fought foreign invasions.
When the Imjin War broke out in 1592 he gathered over a thousand volunteers with Jeong Sa-je and Kim Ik-bok, joined Choe Gyeong-hoe's force in Namwon and became leader of the Left Jeolla righteous army; Wikipedia records that it was formed at the Boseong government office on 20 July 1592. He defeated Japanese forces at Jangsu, Geochang, Hapcheon, Seongju and Gaeryeong, and attacked them at Goseong and Geoje as well.
At the first Battle of Jinju he gave 300 volunteers to his deputy Jang Yun to support government troops, but by the time he arrived the fortress had fallen and Jang Yun was dead; he is said to have regretted not dying with them. After the truce he served as magistrate of Yangju, Jeongju, Haeju and Sunchang, raised volunteers again in the second invasion, and died on 27 October 1597. He was posthumously made Vice Minister of War and Uigeumbu Dongjisa. His posthumous title, tomb and shrines are not in the sources consulted and were not confirmed.
Wikipedia records that it was formed at the Boseong office on 20 July 1592. The timing of the merger with Choe Gyeong-hoe's force may differ by source.
He sent troops under his deputy Jang Yun but arrived after the fortress fell. See the Jangheung Im page for the clan.
His tomb was not confirmed.