Couple accused of molesting exchange students denied bond

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — A Gwinnett County couple accused of providing alcohol to Korean exchange students and encouraging them to disrobe and kiss, made their first court appearance.

Authorities said Woo Yi, 41, and his wife Hyun Yi, 42, are charged two counts of child molestation involving a boy and girl who are 15-year-old students from South Korea.

Woo Yi also faces six counts of furnishing alcohol to minors.

Police arrested the couple after one of six students that were living at the couple's Suwanee home complained to a teacher.

The parents of the students had paid Yi more than $15,000 each to host the children while they attended local schools authorities said.

The students told investigators their host family provided alcohol on six occasions and made them play games. The losers would be ordered to remove clothing and fondle each other authorities said.

In court, Woo Yi's defense attorney asked a Gwinnett detective if his client ever removed his clothing or touched the children.

"No. Mr. Yi never took his clothes off. This was something that he would direct the students to do," said Gwinnett police Detective B.R. Irvin.

Irvin also stated there was no video or photographs corroborating the student's accusations.

After hearing testimony Wednesday afternoon, a magistrate judge denied bond for the couple. The students have been relocated to another host family.

WSBTV