BEIJING (Sputnik) — According to South Korea's National Electoral Commission, Moon was backed by over 41,08 percent of voters, or by 13,4 million of South Koreans, and became the country's new president after the Tuesday vote.
A total of 13 hopefuls took part in the presidential race after two nominees had dropped out. Moon Jae-in of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea was considered as one of two main rivals along with and Ahn Cheol-soo of the center-left People's Party.
The vote took place less than two months after President Park Geun-hye was ousted following a corruption scandal that also led to her arrest.
The new president of South Korea will take office on May 10, immediately after the confirmation of the results by the NEC.