Lee has rebuilt his career in his homeland after enduring a difficult spell in Spain. He has won more than 50 caps for his country despite being only 24. He played in the last World Cup and, after having unsuccessful trials with Lille and Brescia, he signed for Real Sociedad. He endured a dismal first season in Spain though and was loaned out to Numancia before returning to his former K-League side Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i. His return coincided with a dramatic improvement in form and he helped Ulan become champions in 2005 and was recently voted the Most Valuable Player in the League.