Lee managed POSCO Atoms from 1987 to 1992 and won two K Leagues. Lee also managed the South Korea national team from 1988 to 1990. He led South Korea to finish as a runner-up in the 1988 AFC Asian Cup, and recorded 9 wins and 2 draws without a loss in the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification. Lee aimed to win one game in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, but South Korea lost all three matches in the group stage.