The Korean president’s great authority makes it possible for a curriculum to be drastically revised once an education reform plan is incorporated in the national policy (Honna et al. 2008) As the nation’s English ability is considered to be an important factor in Korea’s international competitiveness, English education remains at the Centre of the government’s policy to build up the country’s strength. The introduction of English as a required subject at the primary level is a good example of education reform driven by the government’s strong leadership. This has not proved possible in Japan, as will be mentioned below.