In 2016, Young became the second Girls' Generation member to debut as a soloist with the release of her first extended play I Just Wanna Dance.

She lived with her family, including her grandparents, who alongside her mother contributed to a mix in Korean and American culture in the household.

[14][16] Besides Girls' Generation, Young's early solo work mostly involved songs recorded for side projects and original soundtracks.

She played the character Carmen Diaz, a performing arts student who "hopes to rise to stardom by working tirelessly on her craft".

[23] In April 2012, a Girls' Generation subgroup named TTS was formed with Young and fellow members Taeyeon and Seohyun.

[13][31] The album, titled I Just Wanna Dance, was released in May 2016, making Young the second Girls' Generation member to have a solo debut.

Billboard's Tamar Herman called the album an "audible canvas to paint a new image for [Young]", elaborating that it "showcases [her] range as an artist.

[34][38] In June 2016, the follow-up single "Heartbreak Hotel", featuring Simon Dominic, was released through SM Station digital music platform.

[43] Young expressed regret for her actions in two handwritten apologies posted to her social media accounts, acknowledging her lack of history knowledge.

[44] After the controversial blunder, some media spoke out in defense of Young, while others questioned the misogyny within Korean society, arguing that it can be "unforgiving" towards a female artist while a male counterpart would not receive the same treatment if the same event had occurred.

In an interview with Billboard, the hip-hop group said that working with Young "really opened our eyes", commenting on "how versatile her range is as a singer.

"[47] Young left SM Entertainment in October 2017 and her future activities with Girls' Generation remain in discussion.

[52] In October 2018, Young was the first female K-pop artist to walk the red carpet of the American Music Awards.

[60] The EP also peaked at number eight at the Gaon Album Chart,[61] and was certified Platinum in South Korea a week after its release.

[72] On June 29, 2021, it was announced that Young would be making her acting debut in a supporting role in JTBC's Reborn Rich television series.

[77] During Pride Month 2021, Young joined Seoul-based LGBT collective Neon Milk along with other queer entertainers to dance to Girls' Generation's 2007 song "Into the New World", now a protest anthem in South Korea.