Top CIA and NSC Official Indicted for Unregistered Agent Work for South Korea
By Jonathan Stempel
In a shocking turn of events, a former CIA and White House National Security Council (NSC) specialist has been charged with acting as an unregistered agent of the South Korean government in exchange for lavish gifts and benefits.
The indictment revealed that Sue Mi Terry promoted South Korean policy positions, shared confidential U.S. government information with South Korean intelligence officers, and facilitated connections between South Korean and U.S. officials. In return, she received luxury items such as Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton handbags, dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, and over $37,000 in covert funding for a public policy program on Korean affairs.
These alleged activities spanned a decade, starting in 2013, after Terry had left her government position. She is currently a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a noted expert on East Asia and the Korean Peninsula.
Despite the allegations, Terry's lawyer has vehemently denied the charges, stating that she was a vocal critic of the South Korean government during the times she supposedly acted on its behalf. The U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan has yet to comment on the case.
As a prominent figure in foreign policy, Terry has appeared on various media platforms and testified before Congressional panels. Her background includes a senior role at the CIA and the NSC under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
The indictment accuses Terry of failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiring to violate the law. She reportedly admitted in a 2023 FBI interview to being a "source" for South Korea's intelligence service.
Analysis:
This scandal involving a high-profile figure in the U.S. government highlights the risks of foreign influence and the importance of transparency in dealings with other countries. It serves as a reminder for individuals in positions of power to uphold ethical standards and comply with relevant laws and regulations. For the general public, it underscores the need to be aware of potential foreign interference in domestic affairs and the potential consequences of such actions on national security and diplomatic relations.