She starred in the 1993 romance drama film, On a Windy Day, We Must Go to Apgujeong, and released her debut studio album, Sorrowful Secret, that same year.

Though both releases found limited audiences, the album's lead single, "Pupil", helped to establish a sensual image for Uhm.

She pivoted to dance music with 1996's "Sad Expectation", and found success with "Rose of Betrayal" (배반의 장미) from her third studio album, After Love (1997).

Uhm began experimenting with electronica on Self Control (2004), and funk on Prestige (2006), the latter of which won Best Dance and Electronic Album at the 4th Korean Music Awards.

Throughout the year she released two singles, "Come 2 Me" and "Song of the Wind" (Korean: 바람의 노래; RR: Baram-ui Norae), each enjoyed positive critical reception.

The EP was one of the best-selling albums by a female artist in 2008, and was further promoted by the digital single "D.I.S.C.O Part 2" which was a remix version of "D.I.S.C.O" and featured G-Dragon, the leader of BigBang.

[8] Uhm launched her new clothing and lingerie line, "Corner Suite" and "ZHUM in New York", which made $10M USD within three months of its release.

[10] Uhm said she felt a little afraid leading up to the surgery, but rather than being discouraged by the pain she was experiencing, she made up her mind to dedicate herself to helping others by inspiring them.

[11] Artists who have cited Uhm as an influence or role model include BoA,[12] Lee Hyori,[13] Baek Ji-young,[14] Sandara Park,[15] Tiffany Young,[16] Jung Eun-chae,[17] Son Dam-bi,[18] Kim Yoon-ji,[19] Dal Shabet's Ah Young,[20] Laboum's Solbin,[21] and Apink's Park Cho-rong.

[22] In 2021, she was selected as Jury member for Actor and Actress of the Year Award in 26th Busan International Film Festival held in October.