He obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in English Literature from Seoul National University, and made his literary debut in 1962 when "Transferred to the Rear" was awarded the New Writer's Prize given by The World of Thoughts (Sasanggye) magazine.

These early works are heavily existential, and focus on issues of human existence within the confines of coarse daily life.

[3] Though diverse in subject matter, Lee's works share the underlying concern with growing insensitivity to violence and change in modern society and our indifference to the suffering of others.

The Color of Water, the Pattern of That Shade published in 1996 marks a point of change in the author's perspective from cold and analytical to warm and compassionate.

The Color of Water, the Pattern of That Shade is a moving story of family hardships and maternal love which also explores the negative side-effects of rapid industrialization.