FOSTER KLUG, Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Conservative Park Geun-hye has become South Korea's first female president.

The liberal Moon Jae-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 in February.

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Associated Press