She attended Yonsei University and turned professional in November 2002 while still a student.

She was a member of the Korean team that won a gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games.

Like many other South Korean women golfers, she soon began to play primarily in the United States, joining the second tier Futures Tour in 2004.

Paired with Annika Sörenstam for the final round, Yim kept pace with the #1 ranked woman golfer in the world.

On the 71st hole with both golfers tied for the lead, Sorenstam hit her tee shot out of bounds resulting in a double bogey.