Breaking News - North Korean Nuclear Test Successful

North Korean officials are claiming that they have successfully tested a nuclear weapon at an underground facility. This is the first nuclear test for the country, but US officials are still working to confirm whether or not the test actually occurred. South Korean officials have confirmed that they registered seismic activity near the test site, leading many to believe the reports are indeed accurate.

The seismic activity registered a 3.6 on the Richter scale and South Korean officials have confirmed that it was not a "natural" occurrence. South Korea is currently analyzing the data to determine what their official response will be. At this early stage, officials are only speaking anonymously until more is known about the test.

The newly elected prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, said his country is also investigating the test to determine if it did take place. US officials have refused to comment, but are holding their own separate investigation. The official release from the North Korean government stated in part that the test, "Marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the ... people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defense capability. It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the area around it."

The United States has been very clear on what it will do if North Korea took this nuclear step. Christopher Hill, the official US envoy to North Korea commented last week that North Korea had the option of having nuclear weapons, or having a future, but not both.

This story is still developing and I will continue to provide updates as they become available.