Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding English proficiency between Li Yang and Dong Yuhui highlights the competitive landscape of English education in China, revealing underlying commercial motivations and shifting consumer preferences in the market [1][9]. Group 1: Controversy and Criticism - Li Yang criticized Dong Yuhui's English speaking skills during a public event, suggesting that New Oriental and its founder Yu Minhong are not credible in English education [1][10]. - Dong Yuhui responded to the criticism by acknowledging his mistakes and inviting feedback, demonstrating a more humble approach compared to Li Yang's aggressive stance [1][9]. Group 2: Business Strategies and Market Position - Li Yang's "Crazy English" is currently promoting a "Global Training Camp" priced at 48,000 yuan, claiming to enable fluent English speaking in just 10 days [2]. - The program includes various other offerings, such as a "5-day Public Welfare Intensive Training Camp" for 3,980 yuan and a "30-day Closed Devil Training Camp" for 30,000 yuan, indicating a diverse product range [4]. - Dong Yuhui's brand "With Hui Along" has rapidly gained popularity, with over 17.5 million new followers on Douyin in the first half of 2024 and generating over 10.2 billion yuan in sales [10]. Group 3: Educational Trends and Consumer Preferences - The traditional "Crazy English" teaching method is becoming less relevant in today's diverse English education market, as younger learners prefer personalized and varied learning experiences [9]. - Dong Yuhui's transition from a high school English teacher to an internet influencer reflects a shift in educational delivery methods, focusing on knowledge dissemination through live streaming [9][12]. Group 4: Business Viability and Challenges - Li Yang's business has faced significant challenges, with 15 out of 20 associated companies either deregistered or revoked, raising concerns about his brand's sustainability [9]. - In contrast, Dong Yuhui's approach of leveraging his personal brand for commercial success has positioned "With Hui Along" favorably in the competitive landscape of live commerce [12].

Group 1 - The founder of Crazy English, Li Yang, publicly criticized former English teacher Dong Yuhui's English proficiency, claiming that Dong made serious grammatical errors and had poor pronunciation during a conversation with foreign diplomats, asserting that New Oriental's teaching is subpar [1][3] - Li Yang expressed his intention to create a significant online stir with his comments, indicating that he enjoys generating controversy [1] - Dong Yuhui acknowledged his shortcomings in English during a recent interaction, admitting to multiple grammatical errors and inviting constructive criticism [1] Group 2 - Audience members defended Dong Yuhui, noting that he communicated effectively with foreign guests during the China International Import Expo and received praise for cultural exchanges, suggesting that Li Yang's claims were exaggerated [3] - Li Yang's criticism coincides with a promotional push for Crazy English's "Global Training Camp," which promises to teach fluent English in 10 days for a fee of 48,000 yuan, with intensive daily training sessions [3][5] - Crazy English's website also offers various other training programs, including a five-day camp priced at 3,980 yuan and a 30-day intensive program at 30,000 yuan, along with bilingual coaching and English learning materials [5][7] Group 3 - Crazy English, founded by Li Yang, gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s with its unique teaching method that emphasizes loud reading and immersive training to overcome language barriers [7] - The educational landscape has evolved, with institutions like New Oriental adopting diversified and systematic teaching methods, while online platforms have gained market share due to their flexibility and personalization [7] - Li Yang has faced controversies in the past, including allegations of domestic violence, and currently has 20 associated companies, with five still operational [7][8]