COBB COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The Cobb County Police Department is investigating an aggravated child molestation incident that happened in Marietta.
According to investigators, a girl told them that she began a relationship with her Tae Kwon Do instructor, 32-year-old Young Jin Shim.
She told police she and Shim had a sexual relationship. The incidents reportedly happened at the Marietta Martial Arts Academy of Tae Kwon Do, where Shim worked, and at his home in Roswell.
"He's kind, nice, wonderful with the children, encouraging," said Caroline Wyman, whose 12-year-old son has taken lessons at the academy for three years. "This is shocking, absolutely shocking."
Wyman was among parents who showed up at the martial arts studio Thursday evening. Most had not heard of Shim's arrest.
Police have charged Shim with aggravated child molestation. He is being held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond and will appear in court Thursday at 8 p.m.
"Everybody is out in the open," said Jeannie Barry, whose son also attends the academy. "I don't think I've ever seen him alone with a child in his office. It's a real family environment."
On the website for Shim's Marietta Martial Arts Academy, it says Shim has instructed thousands of Tae Kwon Do students and produced multiple Black Belts and Champions.
It also says he has been teaching Tae Kwon Do for more than 15 years.
"It' very troubling," said Officer Mike Bowman. "I myself have a young daughter, and to think that your daughter was in a relationship with an adult is very troubling."
Anyone with information about this incident or any other criminal activity which may have taken place at the business, please contact the Crimes Against Children unit at 770-801-3470.
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