Lee has been using charcoal rather than traditional mediums like paint in his artistic practice since his move to Paris at the end of 1989. This ubiquitous material is also deeply rooted in Korean culture which allows Lee to reconnect with his heritage. In Korean folk culture, charcoal is believed to possess the power to keep out evil forces and is sometimes offered as a deity gift in household rituals. The cultural connection inevitably led Lee to explore peace, and continued to create art that symbolized his early days living in Paris and his heritage.