She is most known for her work in the television series East of Eden (2008), Phantom (2012), Miss Korea (2013), The Package (2017); and in the films A Millionaire's First Love (2006), M (2007) and Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island (2015).

[16] In 2011, Lee starred opposite Jang Dong-gun, Joe Odagiri and Fan Bing-bing in Kang Je-gyu's big budget historical film My Way,[17] and in romance comedy series Paradise Ranch by S.M.

[22] In 2013, Lee made a special appearance in the historical drama Gu Family Book, where she received compliments for her improvement in acting.

[23][24] She next starred in romantic comedy film Marriage Blue, which tells the story of an engaged couple who experience last-minute jitters and cold feet just a week before their wedding ceremony.

[25] Lee closed the year with television series Miss Korea to positive reviews, with many considering her role as her best performance to date.

[26] Lee further challenged herself with a provocative role as the mysterious and seductive Japanese geisha Hisako in the historical comedy Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island in 2015.

[30] She then starred in JYP Entertainment's travel romance drama The Package opposite Jung Yong-hwa,[31] and was complimented for her performance as a tour guide.