A foreign policy expert who previously worked at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the White House National Security Council (NSC) has been charged in the United States accusing her of acting as an unregistered agent for the South Korean government in exchange for luxury items and other gifts.
Sue Mi Terry, a well-known American commentator on diplomatic affairs, is facing allegations detailed in a federal indictment released by the Manhattan Federal Court on Tuesday (July 16). She is accused of receiving luxury items, including designer handbags, and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in return for promoting the South Korean government’s position in the media, sharing undisclosed U.S. government information with intelligence officials, and facilitating meetings between American and South Korean officials.
According to the indictment, she also admitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that she was a source for the South Korean intelligence agency and provided handwritten notes from a secret meeting in June 2022 to South Korean intelligence personnel. At that time, she participated in a discussion on South Korean policy with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Prosecutors stated that the South Korean government secretly provided over $37,000 in funding to a South Korean affairs public policy project under her responsibility.
In a statement, Terry’s lawyer Lee Wolosky said, “These charges are baseless and misrepresent the work of a scholar and news analyst. Terry is known for her independence and years of service to the United States.”
The lawyer mentioned that Terry’s commentary consistently reflected her views.
“In fact, she was a fierce critic of the South Korean government when the indictment accuses her of acting on behalf of the South Korean government,” he said. “Once the truth comes to light, it will be apparent that the government has made a serious mistake.”
Terry served in the government from 2001 to 2011, initially as a CIA analyst, then later moving to roles at the NSC, National Intelligence Council (NIC), and subsequently working at think tanks such as the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
The indictment alleges that Terry failed to register truthfully under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and did not disclose her relationship with South Korea on multiple occasions before testifying to Congress.
A spokesperson for the Council on Foreign Relations stated that they have placed Terry on unpaid leave and will cooperate with any investigations.
South Korea is not listed as a defendant in the case. The South Korean Embassy in the U.S. did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.