Former CIA Analyst Accused of Covert Ties to South Korean Intelligence

In a surprising development, Sue Mi Terry, the wife of prominent critic of Donald Trump, Max Boot, is facing allegations of secretly working for South Korea’s intelligence service for over a decade. This revelation comes amid heightened enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by the federal government, which Boot has previously advocated for, particularly in relation to foreign influence in U.S. politics. Terry, an Asia expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, is accused of coordinating with South Korean officials on various articles, including one that praised South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. This article, published in March 2023, lauded the president for his efforts to address historical disputes with Japan, raising questions about the integrity of the journalistic work produced by the couple. Boot, who has focused on Russia's interference in U.S. politics, has not been accused of any wrongdoing but faces scrutiny regarding potential violations of journalistic ethics. The allegations against Terry include her admission to the FBI that she acted as a "source" for her South Korean handler. Following a voluntary interview with the FBI, she resigned from the CIA, citing issues related to her connections with South Korean intelligence officers. This case highlights the complexities of foreign influence and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the media and intelligence communities. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for both Terry and Boot could have significant repercussions in the realms of national security and journalism.