A former CIA analyst and White House official, Sue Mi Terry, has been accused of working as a South Korean agent in exchange for luxury goods. The indictment alleges that Terry disclosed nonpublic US government information to South Korean intelligence officers and advocated for South Korean policy positions.
According to the indictment revealed in a Manhattan federal court, Terry received luxury items such as Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton handbags, a Dolce & Gabbana coat, dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, and over $37,000 in covert funding for a public policy program on Korean affairs. This alleged exchange of gifts and information began in 2013 and continued for a decade after Terry left US government employment.
Currently serving as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, Terry is recognized as an expert on East Asia and the Korean Peninsula, particularly North Korea. Her lawyer, Lee Wolosky, refuted the allegations, emphasizing Terry’s independence and service to the United States. The Council on Foreign Relations has placed Terry on unpaid administrative leave pending further investigations.
Born in Seoul and raised in Virginia, Terry held positions as a senior CIA analyst and director of Korean, Japan, and Oceanic Affairs at the NSC during the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. She is described as a frequent guest on media outlets and has testified before congressional panels on numerous occasions.
The indictment charges Terry with failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiring to violate that law. It highlights her acknowledgment during an FBI interview in June 2023 that she was a “source” for South Korea’s intelligence service, providing valuable information.
South Korea, not named as a defendant in the case, has not responded to requests for comment from the Washington embassy. The office of US Attorney Damian Williams in Manhattan has also not provided immediate responses to inquiries about the case.
Despite the allegations, Terry’s lawyer maintains her innocence, suggesting that the government has made a significant mistake in accusing her of working as a South Korean agent. The unfolding case raises questions about the influence of foreign governments on US officials and the importance of transparency and accountability in diplomatic relations.
As the investigation progresses, the implications of this case on national security and diplomatic integrity will likely be closely scrutinized. Terry’s background in intelligence and government service adds complexity to the allegations, shedding light on the intricate web of international relations and the challenges faced by individuals navigating between public service and private interests.