Lee Sin/Background

Lore: The blind monk of Ionia
The Ionian vs Noxus match started due to a monk in the Ionian Lotus Garden setting himself on fire in protest of the Noxian occupation (JoJ, Vol 1 issue 7). The monk did not allow his fellow monks to set the fire off until Ionia was free from Noxus. Two months later, when Ionian won the match for its freedom, the monk allowed for the fire to be put off. The monk "had suffered the loss of his eyes, along with other severe injuries from the intense heat" (JoJ, Vol 1 Issue 12).

It is possible that this monk is Lee Sin.

Development
He was from the first 6 champions developed. Hohums has confirmed that the Blind Monk and Udyr have no relation. Guinsoo revealed Blind Monk's true name: Lee Sin Blind Monk's model was used in WCG for the spectator.

His height is similar to that of Jax, basing upon his concept art.

It was said that he was remade into Udyr The Animal Spirit. However, Riot Game Designer Guinsoo hints that this is not the case.

It has been strongly implied that he was the burning monk during the Ionia/Noxus feud, in Issue 12 of the JoJ, stating "His brethren hastened the monk’s blistered body swiftly back to the monastery for treatment. While it was clear that he would survive, the monk had suffered the loss of his eyes, along with other severe injuries from the intense heat." These would seem to corroborate the "Mystic Meditation" icon, as well as the fact that flickers of flame can be seen in its portrait.

If this is true, it could be that Lee Sin is a reference to a real life monk who burned himself as act of protest against the persecution of Buddhist monks during the Buddhist crisis in South Vietnam.

Ezreal has stated that the blind monk has been deconfirmed.

In Maokai's Art Spotlight, towards the end a tab is shown titled "blindmonk.psd", which could mean that artwork is being done for Lee Sin, that the Rioter's are trying to tease the Blind-Monk fanboys or that the artist in question just likes working on Blind monk for fun.

Also, in the video "Brolaf, the King of Bromacia" the name `Blind Monk` can be seen on the New Champions Board Here. This however was most likely done as a joke by the staff as in the same list there are other champions Riot has long stated to have ceased development.

Champion Sneak Peek: Lee Sin, the Blind Monk
Announcement made by ByronicHero (22th March 2011):

Last year, around this time, we were forced to say our goodbyes to a loved and cherished friend, taken from us so tragically and so senselessly before his time. On April 1st 2010, we bid farewell to Urf the Manatee. It was a trying time for all of us all, and many came forward to pour their hearts out and memorialize this noble prince among Sea Cows.

If there’s anything that the death of Urf the Manatee has taught us, it’s that people deal with grief in different ways. For instance, take this gentleman here. Lee Sin was so shaken up that he actually ran off and joined a monastery. Now he’s Lee Sin the Blind Monk. Hey, what do you mean you’ve seen him before?