Lee Hyun-ju

Bayern Munich II

In January 2022, Lee joined German giants Bayern Munich from Pohang Steelers on a year-long loan deal, with the option to make the deal permanent. After impressing with the club's reserve team while on loan, Bayern Munich took up the option to make the deal permanent in August 2022, with Lee signing a deal through 2025. He played for the reserve team at the Regionalliga Bayern. On 7 July 2023, Lee was loaned to recently promoted 2. Bundesliga club Wehen Wiesbaden for the 2023–24 season. On 23 June 2024, he extended his contract with Bayern Munich until 2027 and was loaned to another 2. Bundesliga club Hannover 96 for the 2024–25 season, with an option to make the move permanent. He had performed various roles in Bayern's midfield, whereas he mostly played as a winger at the two clubs.

Arouca

On 23 July 2025, Lee moved to Portugal and joined Primeira Liga club Arouca, permanently for an estimated €1.5 million fee. The figure was Arouca's highest-ever transfer fee. On 9 August, he provided an assist in a 3–1 win over AVS, where he made his Primeira Liga debut. He had seven goals and three assists in 30 matches, while Arouca finished the 2025–26 season in eighth place. Prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Korean media recommended him for a member of the national team after watching his performances at the Primeira Liga, but he was not called up.

In September 2022, Lee was called up to the South Korea Olympic team for a friendly against Uzbekistan. In November 2024, Lee received his first call-up to the South Korea national team before the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait and Palestine. He made his debut against Kuwait.

Lee spent his youth career at Tree Mers FC in Ansan and Pohang Steelers.

Lee has named Joshua Kimmich as a player he idolises, while also crediting Jamal Musiala as a similarly-aged player he looks up to.