In 1627, the Later Jin invasion of Joseon began, and he was sent to Ganghwa Island to assist in its defense, but by the time he arrived, a treaty had already been signed.

In 1630, a Ming general, Liu Xingzhi (劉興治), entered Korea and set up camp between a road between two castles.

The same year Im returned to his position, the Manchus entered Joseon Korea after constant political pressures failed to suppress the nation.

Im lamented that if he had at least 20,000 men instead of the paltry 3,000, he would have headed north to invade Mukden (then-Qing capital) himself, which may have changed the outcome of the war.

He began plotting to escape, but was turned over to the Manchu forces by his subordinate Han Sa-rip (한사립) and transported to Beijing.

But at the time in Joseon, a minister named Shim Gi-won (심기원; 沈器遠) attempted a coup, which led to King Injo requesting the return of Im Gyeong Eop for its suppression.