Lee Jae-myung, the liberal South Korean politician elected on Tuesday as the country's next leader, overcame a knife attack, martial law and criminal charges on his unexpected path to the presidency.

The conservative party candidate, Kim Moon-soo, has said he wants to build-up South Korea’s military as a way to deter Pyongyang. However, the democratic party candidate, Lee Jae Myung, is keen to restart dialogue with the North. He also wants to strengthen ties with China, something that could create friction with the US.

South Koreans are voting in a snap presidential election, seeking to restore stability after six months of turmoil sparked by a shock martial law.