Vice Foreign Minister Song Min-soon has dismissed recent reports pointing to a potential North Korean nuclear test as 'artificial and unfounded rumors' lacking any substantive evidence.

Song said that 'rumors' originating in the U-S were blown out of proportion in Japan before reaching Korea.

Pointing out that Seoul has the most at stake in Pyongyang's nuclear standoff, he stressed South Korea should take the lead in dealing with the current situation rather than deferring to other nations to avoid any undue complications.

White House Deputy National Security Advisor Steven Hadley said Sunday that U-S officials had seen some evidence suggesting preparations for a nuclear test in North Korea.

Song brushed off the comment by saying a range of possibilities exists regarding the North's actions, and that such remarks seemed to be made with a worst-case scenario in mind.