He started his comedian career at Defense Agency for Public Information Services in 1960, and debuted as a host of morning star performance group in 1965.
His ugly looks were a big obstacle to making a debut on television, but it became his strong selling point, then finally he is called as 'King of Comedy' in the 1980s.
He created many popular culture languages such as 'I am sorry for my bad looks', and many people imitated his 'duck dance' on the tune of a song, Susie Q for a long time.
Lee lost his only son to a motorcycle accident in November 1991; however, he appeared on special program for opening a new broadcasting station, SBS, three days after the funeral, and made the audience laugh by saying, "I am sorry, everyone.
Lee's snapshots from talk show, and entertainment programs was used on Eyoudirect commercial of Heungkuk Fire & Marin Insurance company in 2007.