An iconic figure back home in South Korea, he is now starting to develop cult status in a small corner of England.
Just nine months after arriving from FC Seoul the 21-year-old won a hat-trick of top club awards. He was named player of the year, players' player of the year and best newcomer.
Lee came on the second half on Sunday as Bolton finished their campaign on a high with a 2-1 home victory against Birmingham.
"This season I have had to adjust. Next season will be better," he said through an interpreter.
"At first I was worried because it was my first time playing in a European league. But I was so surprised that everyone was welcoming, my team-mates and the fans.
"My ambition was to play as many games as I could. Now I have done that, I am proud of what I have achieved.
"The pressure was not on me as there was no expectation as I was unknown here. I like a quiet life so living in England suits me as player."
Even though Lee is mobbed back home, at Bolton he is treated like any other professional - and that sometimes entails a little bit of ridicule.
Lee was handed a bib by manager Owen Coyle at the awards dinner and told to wear it over his suit for a few minutes, his "prize" for coming last in the sprints on Friday.
There is mutual respect, however, with Lee adding: "I understand what winning the player-of-the-year award means but it means more winning the players' player-of-the- year award. That is more important than anything else."
Meanwhile Birmingham manager Alex McLeish, whose side finished a highly respectable ninth in the table, is expecting more of the same from his players next season.
He said: "I am sure they will come back bursting to go again. I think I have got that type of character in my dressing room.
"However, we could do with someone with a presence as we need to retain the ball in forward areas and keep it alive. That is very important in this league.
"It is going to be a busy time. But it is all about preparation and being ready to take on the challenge of the Premier League again come August."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk