Ex-CIA Foreign Policy Specialist Indicted for Allegedly Working as Unregistered Agent for South Korea

Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA and White House National Security Council (NSC) employee, has been indicted for allegedly working as an unregistered agent of the South Korean government. The indictment, revealed in Manhattan federal court, accuses Terry of advocating South Korean policy positions, sharing nonpublic U.S. government information with South Korean intelligence officers, and facilitating access for South Korean government officials to their U.S. counterparts. In exchange, she purportedly received luxury goods, covert funding, and other gifts.

Alleged Misconduct and Response

The indictment asserts that Terry's engagement as an agent began in 2013, continued for a decade, and involved a barter for high-end items and monetary support for a public policy program. Currently serving as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, Terry has been a prominent figure focusing on East Asia and the Korean Peninsula. Her lawyer, Lee Wolosky, has refuted the allegations, emphasizing that she is renowned for her autonomy and years of dedication to the United States. The Council on Foreign Relations has placed Terry on unpaid administrative leave and pledged to cooperate with any ensuing inquiries.

Consequences and Reactions

As the indicted individual, South Korea is not implicated in the case. While Terry's legal representative has decried the allegations, the response from her current employer, the Council on Foreign Relations, underscores the seriousness of the situation. The embassy of South Korea in Washington and the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan have not yet issued any official comments on the matter. Although Terry has not provided a response to the allegations, her online biography conveys her extensive media presence and history of congressional testimonies.

Legal Ramifications and Acknowledgments

The indictment specifically charges Terry with the failure to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiring to breach the said law. It highlights her admission, allegedly made during an FBI interview in June 2023, of being a "source" for South Korea's intelligence service. This acknowledgment purportedly signifies her provision of valuable information to the foreign entity. The legal proceedings and their implications are likely to unfold in the coming days, shedding light on the intricacies of the case.

The alleged conduct of Sue Mi Terry, a figure with a notable background in U.S. intelligence and foreign policy, has sparked a contentious legal episode. As the case progresses, the implications for both the accused individual and the parties involved are poised to become clearer, potentially carrying ramifications for the realms of national security, diplomatic relations, and legal compliance.