South Korea's Lee wins presidency

South Korea's centre-left leader Lee Jae-myung hailed voters' "great decision" as he was declared the winner of a snap presidential election early Wednesday, capping months of political chaos.

Six months to the day after ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol plunged the country into crisis with his disastrous declaration of martial law, official results from the National Election Commission showed Lee had defeated conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, who had earlier conceded the race.

Voter turnout was the highest in nearly three decades.

"I will humbly accept the choice of the people. Congratulations to the elected candidate Lee Jae-myung," Kim said as the last ballots were still being counted.

Lee had earlier thanked voters for placing their trust in him, saying he would do his "utmost to fulfil the great responsibility and mission entrusted to me, so as not to disappoint the expectations of our people."