Born in Yunlin County, Lin attended elementary school in Huwei, then Liyang Private Junior High and Chianan Private Vocational High School.
[2] Lin began his political career by serving on the Yunlin County Council.
[5] Lin Ming-yi was charged with breach of trust in 2003, as a result of an investigation into Liu Tai-ying.
[6][7] The following year, Lin represented the Non-Partisan Solidarity Union as a legislative candidate, but did not win election.
[8] Lin was treated for liver cancer at National Taiwan University Hospital in 2007, and died at home in Huwei on 20 June 2007, aged 53.