Goryeo chief minister under Yejong; all three sons became chief ministers
| Life | 1041 ~ 1117 |
| Era | 고려 |
| Clan | 장흥 임씨 |
Im Ui (1041-1117) was a Goryeo official of the Jangheung Im clan, posthumous title Jeonggyeong. His father was Im Ho and his sons Im Won-suk, Im Won-hu and Im Won-jun all became chief ministers. He passed the civil examination to enter office.
He served as Jeonchom at the request of Seonjong while the latter was still a prince, and became Usunseon after Seonjong's accession. In 1095 he went to Liao as vice-minister of punishments to announce Sukjong's accession; in 1099 he was Left Remonstrator, and in 1100 he went to Song to offer condolences on Emperor Zhezong's death. In 1101 he returned with the Sinui Bogu-bang from Emperor Huizong and became Censor-in-Chief. After posts as Minister of War and head of the censorate he became Dongjichumirwonsa in 1104, Chumirwonsa and Minister of Personnel in 1105, and under Yejong Vice Minister of the Right and Chamjijeongsa.
In 1109, as Chamjijeongsa, he sharply criticized Yun Gwan, O Yeon-chong and Im Eon for failing in the Jurchen campaign, and the same year, as military commander of the northeast, he tried to return the nine Hamgyeong fortresses to the Jurchen but is said to have found the troops and weapons already withdrawn. He retired in 1110 as Grand Guardian and Munha Sirang Pyeongjangsa and became a Jwari merit subject. Under Injong he was posthumously made Jungseoryeong. His career is understood as the background for the clan's later rise as in-laws of the royal house. See also his son Im Won-hu and granddaughter Queen Gongye.
Korean Wikipedia lists year by year his missions to Liao and Song. Notable is that he brought back the medical text Sinui Bogu-bang from Emperor Huizong.
All three sons became chief ministers and his granddaughter Queen Gongye married Injong, so the Jangheung Im is counted a major house of mid-Goryeo.
His tomb was not confirmed.
His sons Im Won-suk, Im Won-hu and Im Won-jun all became chief ministers, and his granddaughter was Queen Gongye, wife of Injong.