In July 2018, Lee joined 2. Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel on a three-year deal until 30 June 2021.[9] The transfer fee paid to Jeonbuk was reported as €1.5 million.[10] He played his first game against Hamburger SV on 4 August, and was named the player of the matchday by leaving a deep impression on kicker with two assists.[11]
On 13 January 2021, he played full time and scored the fourth penalty in a 2020–21 DFB-Pokal match, where Kiel won 6–5 on penalties after drawing 2–2 against Bayern Munich.[13] Afterwards, Kiel reached the semi-finals of DFB-Pokal for the first time in history, but they were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund.[14]
Kiel also finished third in the 2020–21 2. Bundesliga, qualifying for the promotion play-off. In the two-legged play-off, Lee scored a goal and provided an assist, contributing to all two of Kiel's goals, but they lost 5–2 on aggregate to Köln.[15][16]
Mainz 05
In July 2021, Lee joined Bundesliga club Mainz 05 on a three-year deal until 30 June 2024.[17]
After the first half of the 2021–22 season, Lee was ranked 10th in attacking midfielder rankings of kicker.[18]
Lee was named the player of the 22nd matchweek by kicker after dominating Borussia Mönchengladbach including a goal and an assist on 24 February 2023.[19] In that month, he was nominated for the Bundesliga Player of the Month by leading Mainz to three Bundesliga victories as well as having three goals and two assists,[20] but lost to Julian Brandt. He was also nominated for the Bundesliga Team of the Season because of his steady performance during the 2022–23 season, but failed to win.[21]
Lee seemed lethargic while Mainz earned only one win in the first half of the 2023–24 season, but he played a key role in saving his team from relegation during the second half of the season. He was named in Bundesliga player rankings selected by kicker for the third time.[22]
Lee scored two goals in a 2–1 win over Bayern Munich on 14 December 2024, leading Bayern to their first defeat in the 2024–25 Bundesliga.[23]
International career
In the 2017 EAFF Championship, Lee led South Korea's title, and was named the Most Valuable Player and the Best Duel Player.[24]
Lee was named in South Korea's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,[25] and played all three games in the group stage. He also participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping South Korea advance to the knockout stage.
Style of play
Lee possessed the ball for a short time, and showed great influence when moving without the ball. He preferred passing in a fast tempo to carrying, and had a high work rate to preoccupy suitable spots. His movement was also skilled in interceptions when defending.[26][27]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 22 December 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
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