Lee assumed he could at least become a candidate in the other genre even though Choi Geun-won was considered the long track speed skater expected to represent South Korea.

Lee excelled, skating a record of 6 minutes 48 seconds and defeating Choi to become a South Korean national skater.

Lee captured three gold medals in short track speed skating in the 1000, 1500 and 3000 metre events, a feat only bettered by countryman Sung Si-Bak during the 2007 Winter Universiade in Turin, Italy, winning every distance, the 500, 1000, 1500, 3000 and 5000 m relay.

Despite his successes, Lee shocked many observers by failing to earn a spot on South Korea's national short track team in April 2009.

[3] Lee stated afterward: "My coaches told me at first that Kramer had made a mistake, and I saw it on the replay they were showing on the big screen.