A former senior White House worker and Central Intelligence Agency analyst is accused of working as an agent for South Korea and sharing U.S. government secrets to that country’s intelligence officials, as per federal prosecutors.
Sue Mi Terry, 54, supposedly “subverted foreign agent registration laws in order to provide South Korean intelligence officers with access, information, and advocacy,” U.S. Lawyer Damian Williams expressed Wednesday in a Justice Department public statement.
Charges Pressed
She was arrested Tuesday and accused of one count of conspiracy to disregard the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which carries a most extreme sentence of five years in jail, and one count of failing to enlist under FARA, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail, as per federal prosecutors.
Lee Wolosky, Terry’s defense lawyer, stated in an email to USA TODAY in regards to the charges brought against his client, saying, “These allegations are unfounded and distort the work of a scholar and news analyst known for her independence and years of service to the United States.”
Defense Statement
“Dr. Terry has not held a security clearance for over a decade and her views on matters relating to the Korean peninsula have been consistent over many years,” the assertion proceeded.
“In fact, she was a harsh critic of the South Korean government during times this indictment alleges that she was acting on its behalf. Once the facts are made clear it will be evident the government made a significant mistake.”
Payment Received
The 31-page arraignment recorded in the Southern District of New York details how Terry not only gave classified data, but also advocated for South Korean policies and empowered South Korean authorities to gain access to U.S. government authorities.
In exchange, Terry would be given extravagance products, costly meals and more than $37,000 in financing for a public strategy program concerning Korean issues that she controlled, as per the prosecution.
Gifted Goods
Some of the accepted gifts included a $2,845 Dolce and Gabbana coat, a $2,950 Bottega Veneta handbag and a $3,450 Louis Vuitton handbag, the court report stated.
“Terry allegedly sold out her positions and influence to the South Korean government in return for luxury handbags, expensive meals, and thousands of dollars of funding for her public policy program,” Williams said in the statement.
Terry’s Positions
Terry served in different positions in the U.S. government from around 2001 to 2011, including as an examiner on East Asian issues for the CIA and oceanic affairs for the White House National Security Council, the prosecution says.
Since leaving the government, Terry has worked at academic foundations in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Activity Since
She stayed in the public eye by making media appearances, writing articles and facilitating meetings as a “policy expert specializing in South Korea, North Korea, and various regional issues impacting Asia,” as per the prosecution.
Terry has additionally testified before Congress on no less than three separate occasions concerning the U.S. government’s strategy toward Korea.
Foreign Asset
During hearings, she signed a document proclaiming that she was not an foreign asset, the government prosecution says.
She is additionally accused of endeavoring to associate South Korean intelligence specialists in 2016 with individuals from then-incumbent President Donald Trump’s administration, as per the charging document.
“Valuable Source of Information”
Terry was a “valuable source of information” for the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS), the prosecution says.
The court document highlights how in June 2002, she gave transcribed notes to her “handler” in regards to a private meeting she had recently had with the Secretary of State Colin Powell about the government’s approach toward North Korea.
Handler Activity
The handler was in the vehicle that got Terry from the confidential meeting and took photos of her notes while they were sitting in the vehicle, as per the arraignment.
Another occasion referenced in the prosecution included a happy hour Terry facilitated for legislative staff in April 2023.
Happy Hour Allegations
Not only did the South Korea NIS pay for the occasion, Terry’s handler likewise joined in, acted like a diplomat and blended in with staff members without uncovering himself as a government operative, the prosecution claims.
Terry was additionally paid by South Korean authorities to compose articles in both the U.S. and Korean press “converting positions and phrases provided by the (South Korean) government,” as per federal prosecuters.
“Putting Lives at Risk”
“Compromising national security endangers every American by weakening our defenses and putting lives at risk” FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie Curtis said in the statement.
According to Williams: “The charges brought should send a clear message to those in public policy who may be tempted to sell their expertise to a foreign government to think twice and ensure you are in accordance with the law.”
Terry’s other positions included the Deputy National Intelligence Officer for East Asia at the National Intelligence Council.
