North Korea has conducted a successful nuclear test, Pyongyang and global intelligence officials confirm.

Apparently the USGS and South Korean officials detected what appeared to be a 4.7 magnitude near the DPRK city of Kimchaek.

The Japanese government has demanded an emergency session at the United Nations Security Council in regards to the test. Russia will have to approve the meeting, as it is the current President of the Security Council.

BNO News also reports: “Yonhap: N. Korea’s 2nd nuke test occurred 10-15 km away from first site in Kilju, official says.”

Update: The Associated Press has the story finally.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says it has successfully conducted a nuclear test.

The country’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that the test was carried out Monday.

Lee Dong-kwan, a spokesman for the South Korean president, says that a nuclear test may have been carried out in the North.

President Lee Myung-bak has called an emergency security session.

And here’s the statement from the DPRK:

We have successfully conducted another nuclear test as part of the republic’s measures to strengthen its nuclear deterrent.

The US State Department says it has no immediate comment on the nuclear test. Meanwhile, markets have taken a steady down-turn since the test was announced. The Kospi is down 5% to 1,333.99 points.

Update x2: Michelle Malkin has more, including a reminder that Obama wishes to cut missile defense spending. DrewM. chimes in Ace of Spades, too. By the way, how could this have happened on Sheriff Joe’s watch? I thought no one messes with Joe. Clearly this situation calls for additional appeasement. Oh, and a speech on how the United States should eliminate its nuclear weapons stockpile.

Update x3: Here’s the report on North Korea confirming the test took place. Gateway Pundit has a post up now, BTW.

Update X4: In case you were wondering what an underground nuclear test looks like, here’s a graphic from BBC News: (Click Image for Full Size)

Update x5: South Korea and Japan have agreed to seek UN-level punishment of North Korea over the nuclear test. Watered-down wrist slap to come soon.

MAJOR UPDATE: Yonhap is reporting that North Korea also test-fired short-range missiles following the nuclear test.