Wife of Washington Post Columnist Max Boot Charged With Espionage By Justice Department

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Former CIA analyst Sue Mi Terry , the wife of Washington Post columnist Max Boot , was charged Tuesday with working as an agent for South Korea in allegations that include editorials written for the newspaper.

According to the criminal indictment made public in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, Terry, 54, failed to register as a foreign agent and conspired to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Prosecutors claim that, beginning in 2013 and continuing for a decade following, Terry received luxury gifts provided by South Korean intelligence officers in return for her promoting South Korea’s policy positions and disclosing nonpublic government information. Prosecutors also allege that Terry wrote opinion pieces at the request of South Korean officials, using information provided by them.

One editorial named in the indictment is co-authored with Boot, who is not charged with any crime. Prosecutors argue the article was published without disclosing Korean government involvement.

The indictment also alleges that in exchange for her services Terry received lavish gifts, including Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton handbags as well as a Dolce & Gabbana coat. Security footage cited in the indictment allegedly shows Terry with her handlers purchasing the bags in 2019 and 2021. The document also mentions that she was treated to meals at Michelin-starred restaurants and given over $37,000 in covert funding for a public policy program focusing on Korean affairs.

Despite the allegations, Terry’s lawyer, Lee Wolosky , denies the charges, stating that the accusations are “unfounded and distort the work of a scholar and news analyst known for her independence and years of service to the United States.”

The Council on Foreign Relations, where Terry is a senior fellow, has placed her on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.