Famed English teacher's ex demands money

BEIJING - The former wife of a famous Chinese English teacher has asked him to give her the money he owes her according to the conditions of their divorce.

Kim Lee, ex-wife of "Crazy English" teacher Li Yang, submitted her application to the Beijing Chaoyang District Court on Thursday, demanding Li pay her 11.75 million yuan (about $1.9 million).

According to Lee, Li has paid 150,000 yuan in child support from July 2012 to December 2013, as well as 300,000 yuan in property distribution money.

On February 3, the court granted a divorce to the couple on the grounds of domestic abuse. According to the verdict, Li was ordered to pay Lee 50,000 yuan in compensation for her psychological trauma and a one-off sum of 12 million yuan in consideration of the property the couple shared, as well as an annual child support payment of 100,000 yuan for each of their three daughters until they reach 18 years of age.

On February 18, Li filed an appeal to the court over the verdict, as he disagreed with the compensation requirements and claimed that he was also a victim of domestic violence. But he withdrew the appeal shortly after.

Li is known for creating  "Crazy English," a non-traditional method of teaching that uses shouting to memorize and practice the language.

He has been successful since starting his English-teaching business in China in the early 1990s. Lee previously worked as editor of the company's publication products.