[6] She was nominated as an MP candidate for Gwangmyeong 2nd constituency, and defeated the incumbent Chun Jae-hui of the Saenuri Party.

[13] The resignation of the Mayor of Busan Oh Keo-don on 23 April 2020 following the allegations of sexual harassment has provoked the by-election in 2021.

[16][17] She cited a sexual harassment controversy related to the former Mayor Oh and indicated that the by-elections must be the "base" of the regime change.

[20] She is now considered part of the Korean far-right,[21] supporting a market economy,[21] a stronger security policy, and holding a conservative outlook on issues such as immigration.

[22][23] Lee is a capitalist[20] who supports market economy and opposes the increase of minimum wages[20] and pro-labour policies.

She criticised President Moon's economic policy as socialism,[24] and stated that "the US is enjoying prosperity due to capitalism".

[6] Lee denounced the Yemeni refugees on Jeju Island as "impostors seeking jobs and money" and opposes them.