Lee Jae-myung directly stated in an interview with foreign media that "I might go to jail too." (Captured by The Economist) 

In an interview with foreign media, Lee Jae-myung referred to the long-standing tragedy of South Korean modern political history, the "curse of the Blue House," and stated directly that "the possibility of me being impeached or going to jail is very high." 

This suggests that Lee Jae-myung may have also sensed a tragic conclusion, leading to public reactions.

The British weekly news magazine The Economist, in its online edition on the 10th (local time), published an exclusive interview with Lee Jae-myung and pointed out that since South Korea's democratization in the late 1980s, more than half of its past presidents have met tragic ends, including impeachment, imprisonment, or both. 

Regarding this, the magazine reported that Lee Jae-myung said, "the possibility of something similar happening to him is ‘pretty high.’"

It further predicted that his legacy would depend on whether he could break "the curse of the Blue House." 

Excerpt of Lee Jae-myung's remarks as covered by The Economist in the UK. (Red box) [Captured by The Economist] 

The Economist also pointed out, "Relations with Donald Trump could have been disastrous," adding, "Mr Trump has often railed against South Korea as an ungrateful ally." 

It further hinted, "Implementing the deals reached with the mercurial American president is the first big challenge looming over the rest of Mr Lee’s term."

Excerpt of Lee Jae-myung's remarks as covered by The Economist in the UK. (Red box) [Captured by The Economist] 

It also forecast, "his standing would suffer if the market dips," and "Even if the boom continues, it will raise hard questions about how to equitably share newfound wealth." 

Meanwhile, amidst the widespread repercussions of the June 3rd local elections, Mike Lindell, a close associate of U.S. President Donald Trump, announced on the 10th (Korean time) that the joint US-Korea investigation team sent to South Korea had concluded that not only the recent local elections but also the previous presidential and general elections were fraudulent.

Immediately after this announcement, controversy over the legitimacy of the June 3rd presidential election last year, in which the National Election Commission declared Lee Jae-myung as the winner, has reignited online. If domestic investigations reveal election fraud, Lee Jae-myung's decision will also be a point of interest. Some are even citing the case of former Minister of the Interior Choi In-kyu, who was executed in 1960 for leading election fraud during the April 19 Revolution.

Former Minister of Interior Choi In-kyu (left) during his lifetime and immediately after his execution.