The South Korean media says North Korea appears to be preparing to test an advanced missile as tensions continue to rise in the region. The isolated communist regime has tested a number of short-range missiles in the past week after carrying out a controversial underground nuclear bomb test. The actions have attracted condemnation from the international community and the UN Security Council is considering what kind of punishment to impose. Most observers believe North Korean President Kim Jong-il is simply trying to consolidate his power and the risk of a regional conflict is fairly low. Meanwhile, media reports say Kim has chosen his youngest son to replace him as the country's leader.