While most Americans and Koreans might like to believe that their countries’ foreign policies are based solely on their own national interests, Sue Mi Terry’s indictment suggests that external influences may play a role in shaping these policies.

As U.S. law enforcement continues its investigations of Terry’s alleged collusion with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) agents, this case may expand in scope and duration, revealing a network of individuals and institutions involved in shaping U.S. policy and public opinion in favor of South Korean interests.