After he graduated at Academy of Art University, he came back to Korea and direct commercials and music videos.
This quickly brought Lee to the attention of producers in Korea and he got the chance to direct a feature film.
Though he would continue to direct spots for companies like GM Daewoo Motors, Pantech Curitel, CIGNA, Global Gillette, Innostream and Orion Confectionery, Lee Cheol-ha soon discovered that the slightly expanded format of music videos was an even better place to try things out.
Lee directed music videos for artists such as BoA, TVXQ, Kangta, Shinhwa, S.E.S., Jaurim, Fly to the Sky, S and g.o.d, as well as commercials.
Lee Cheol-ha's feature debut was Love Me Not (2006), which was then the most expensive picture ever made by a first time director.