Im’s research focuses on religion, media, and transnational circulation in modern East Asia. He is particularly interested in the reception of Mahatma Gandhi in colonial Korea and the ways in which religious and popular icons are created through translation and mass media. His teaching interests include modern sainthood, asceticism, Asian religions, and religion and media.

Im has a B.A. in History at Oberlin College, Ohio, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Duke University, North Carolina. He has also completed an ABD Teaching Fellowship at Baldwin Wallace University, Ohio.