Former CIA analyst charged with acting as foreign agent

A New York grand jury has indicted Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and North Korea expert, for allegedly working covertly for the South Korean government in exchange for luxury goods, high-end meals, and $37,000.

Terry, who previously served on the US National Security Council, began her alleged activities in June 2013, meeting multiple times with an unnamed handler, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

The indictment, unsealed on July 16, claims Terry advocated South Korean policy positions, disclosed nonpublic US government information, and facilitated access between South Korean and US officials. In return, she received a Louis Vuitton handbag, a Dolce & Gabbana coat, and meals at Michelin-star restaurants, among other benefits.

Terry, who was employed by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) at the time, has been placed on administrative leave. The indictment also alleges Terry acted as a valuable source for South Korea, including passing handwritten notes from an off-the-record briefing with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

US law requires Americans acting as foreign agents to register, which Terry allegedly did not do. Her attorney, Lee Wolosky, called the allegations unfounded and stated that Terry was a harsh critic of the South Korean government during the period in question.

Born in Seoul and a naturalized US citizen, Terry joined the US government in 2001 and served as a high-profile CIA analyst before resigning in 2008 due to a conflict of interest. She later held positions in the National Security Council under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have refrained from commenting on the matter, citing the ongoing judicial proceedings.