Former CIA Analyst Sue Mi Terry Indicted for Allegedly Working Secretly for South Korea
In a startling development, Sue Mi Terry, a prominent North Korea expert and former CIA analyst, has been indicted by a New York grand jury on charges of acting as a secret agent for the South Korean government. The indictment, unsealed recently, accuses Terry of covertly working on behalf of South Korea in exchange for substantial perks, including designer goods, lavish meals, and a significant sum of money.
Terry, who previously served on the US National Security Council and worked as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, allegedly began her role as a foreign agent in 2013. According to the indictment, she met with a South Korean “handler” and carried out various tasks directed by Republic of Korea (ROK) officials. These tasks reportedly included advocating for South Korean policy positions in media appearances and articles, disclosing sensitive US government information to South Korean intelligence officers, and facilitating access for South Korean officials to US government counterparts.
The indictment details that Terry received approximately $37,000, which was routed through a designated “gift” account at her think tank to conceal its origin. In addition to monetary compensation, she allegedly received luxury items like a Louis Vuitton handbag and a Dolce & Gabbana coat, along with meals at Michelin-starred restaurants. Terry was also accused of writing opinion pieces that promoted South Korean policies in both American and Korean media outlets.
The Council on Foreign Relations promptly placed Terry on administrative leave upon learning of the indictment, emphasizing the seriousness with which they view the allegations. Meanwhile, Terry’s attorney, Lee Wolosky, has vehemently denied the charges, describing them as unfounded and asserting that Terry had been a vocal critic of the South Korean government during the period in question.
Terry, born in Seoul and a naturalized US citizen, has had a distinguished career in government service, beginning with her tenure at the CIA in 2001. She later served as a key analyst on East Asian affairs before leaving due to a perceived conflict of interest involving South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Her subsequent roles included director for Japan, Korea, and Oceanic affairs at the National Security Council under multiple US administrations.
The indictment of Sue Mi Terry underscores the complexities of international relations and the stringent legal obligations under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) that govern interactions between US citizens and foreign governments. The case has raised significant scrutiny regarding the intersection of national security, diplomatic relations, and personal allegiances in a geopolitically sensitive region. As the legal proceedings unfold, observers are keenly watching to see how this case will impact US-South Korea relations and Terry’s standing in the academic and policy communities.
