The new South Korean administration will likely make efforts to buy time for U.S. trade talks, as it studies the negotiations of bigger neighbours Japan and China for leverage, according to sources familiar with the ruling party's thinking.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Lee Jae-myung was a child laborer with an arm deformity. He attempted suicide. He later made his way through university and became a highly divisive politician who survived a stabbing attack and struggles with numerous criminal charges.

South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party nominee Lee Jae-myung holds a clear lead in the presidential election, according to an exit poll released soon after the voting ended on Tuesday.