Lee transitioned to film with minor roles in "A Masterpiece In My Life" (2000) and "Wanee & Junah" (2001). She gained recognition for her performances in acclaimed films like "The Attorney" (2013), "A Violent Prosecutor" (2015), and "The Wailing" (2016). Her collaboration with director Bong Joon-ho was particularly significant, as she voiced the pig in "Okja" (2017) and portrayed the housekeeper Moon-gwang in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" (2019).
Lee's versatility extends to television, where she has appeared in numerous dramas, including "Our Blues" (2022) and "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (2021). Her talent has earned her multiple awards and international acclaim.
In the 2000s, while being active in theater, Lee also made a living as an acting teacher. Two of her pupils were Ye Ji Won and Lee Eun Joo. On the recommendation of Professor Lee Hye Kyung, the head of the Department of Theater and Film at Kookmin University, Lee was introduced to Lee Hyo Ri and became her acting teacher, as well.