SEOUL (AP) — Conservative Park Geun-hye (Bahk Guhn-hae) has become South Korea's first female president.The liberal Moon Jae-in (Moon Jay-in) conceded late Wednesday to the daughter of late dictator Park Chung-hee after a close race.
Her victory came despite analysts' speculation that high voter turnout could favor Moon. Moon is the son of North Korean refugees and a former human rights lawyer.
Park says she's open to dialogue with North Korea but calls on Pyongyang to show progress in nuclear dismantlement.
The five-term lawmaker drew support from a conservative base of older voters with fond memories of South Korea's rise from poverty during her father's 18-year rule.
She'll replace conservative President Lee Myung-bak (Lee Myuhng bahk) in February.