BEIJING - A Beijing court on Thursday heard divorce proceedings brought against China's famous "Crazy English" teacher Li Yang for domestic abuse, but the case did not close after efforts to reconcile failed.

The hearing was attended by both Li and his wife, Kim Lee, at the Beijing Chaoyang District Court, sources with the court said.

Before entering the court, Li told the media that he would be willing to reconcile and request custody of his children.

But his American wife Lee said after the hearing that she would insist on divorce. She also said Li had agreed on divorce during the hearing.

Lee's lawyer said the couple had disputes over property division.

The hearing was not open to the public at Li's request.

The domestic violence was first exposed by Lee in August when she posted pictures of her injuries from Li on the Internet. She accused Li of abusing her several times.

A week later, Li apologized for beating his wife after the case triggered a wave of condemnation on the Internet.

Li is known for creating the concept of "Crazy English," a method of shouting to memorize and practice the language. He has been successful since starting his English-teaching business in China in the early 1990s.

In October, Lee filed for divorce and requested custody of the couple's three children and an equal division of their joint property.

Lee said in her submission to the court that they were registered as married in the US state of Nevada in 2005 and in Beijing in 2010.