"Received luxury goods and represented the South Korean government"… U.S. indicts North Korea expert Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA agent

 

U.S. federal prosecutors have indicted Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA and White House National Security Council (NSC) expert on North Korea, for allegedly acting on behalf of the South Korean government. Terry is accused of receiving luxury goods and acting in favor of the South Korean government.

Indictment details According to Reuters on the 16th (local time), a New York federal prosecutor's complaint states that Terry advocated for South Korean government policies, disclosed confidential U.S. government information to South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) employees, and facilitated South Korean intelligence officials' access to U.S. officials.

Charges and compensation Terry allegedly received about $37,000 (approximately 51 million won) worth of kickbacks, including Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton handbags, a Dolce & Gabbana coat, and dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, in return for these activities. Her actions reportedly started in June 2013, five years after leaving the CIA, and continued for ten years.

Terry's stance Terry did not respond to Reuters' request for comment, but her lawyer, Lee Wolosky, strongly denied the charges. He stated, "These claims are baseless and distort the accomplishments of an independent scholar and news analyst known for years of service to the United States." He also mentioned, "During the period mentioned in the complaint, Terry often harshly criticized the South Korean government. Once the facts come to light, it will be clear that the government has made a serious mistake."

Response and current situation The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) spokesperson stated that Terry has been placed on unpaid leave and will cooperate with all investigations. The South Korean Embassy in Washington and U.S. Attorney Damian Williams' office in Manhattan did not respond to requests for comment.

Terry's background Terry has frequently appeared on TV, radio, and podcasts and has testified before the U.S. Congress three times. Born in Seoul in 1972, she immigrated to the U.S. at age 12 and grew up in Hawaii and Virginia. She earned a Ph.D. in international relations from Tufts University in Boston. From 2001 to 2008, she worked as an East Asia analyst at the CIA. From 2008 to 2009, she served as Director for Korea, Japan, and Oceanic Affairs at the NSC under Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic President Barack Obama, and she also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian Intelligence.

Legal charges According to the complaint, Terry was charged with conspiring to violate the Federal Foreign Agents Registration Act by failing to register as an agent.

The U.S. federal prosecutors have indicted Sue Mi Terry for allegedly acting on behalf of the South Korean government. Terry and her lawyer deny the charges, and CFR has placed her on unpaid leave and stated their intention to cooperate with all investigations. Terry's legal response and the investigation results are being closely watched.

Three-line summary for you U.S. federal prosecutors have indicted North Korea expert Sue Mi Terry, alleging she received luxury goods and acted on behalf of the South Korean government. Terry and her lawyer deny the charges, and her future legal actions and investigation results are being closely watched.

 

 

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