In 1565, after the death of Queen Munjeong, both Yun and his wife, Jeong Nan-jeong, were exiled from the capital.
His family was of the Papyeong Yun clan (파평 윤씨; 波平 尹氏).
His niece, Royal Noble Consort Suk,[note 1] later became a concubine to King Injong.
In 1533, Yun Wŏnhyŏng passed the national examinations, and was appointed to the literature department of Byeol to become an officer.
While pursuing an officer position, Yun also sought to make his nephew, Grand Prince Gyeongwon, the next king of Joseon.
Also, Yun Im was the maternal uncle of Injong and the older brother of Queen Janggyeong.