White House says it's checking reports of possible N. Korea nuclear test

The White House said it is looking into reports that North Korea could have conducted its fifth nuclear test.

An official with the National Security Council did not provide further details.

South Korea said a magnitude 5 artificial earthquake struck near North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site, strongly suggesting the possibility of a nuclear test.

If confirmed, it would be the North's fifth nuclear test. The four previous tests came in 2006, 2009, 2013 and in January this year. (Yonhap)