Professor Song Ho-young of Hanyang University Publishes Legal Book on Cultural Heritage Repatriation

A Legal Perspective on International Disputes Over Illegally Exported Cultural Properties

Hanyang University announced on the 14th that Professor Song Ho-young of the School of Law has published a new book titled Who Owns the Past?, which analyzes international cultural heritage restitution disputes from a legal perspective.

This book comprehensively examines the international conflicts and legal issues surrounding the restitution of illegally exported cultural properties, offering profound insights into the role of law within the international order concerning cultural heritage.

Professor Song Ho-young of Hanyang University, Who Owns the Past Published

The book covers a wide range of cases, including representative examples such as the Oegyujanggak Uigwe looted by French troops during the Byeonginyangyo (French Campaign against Korea), Chinese cultural properties smuggled into Europe after the Opium Wars, as well as contemporary global cultural heritage restitution lawsuits.

Professor Song particularly points out that illegal trafficking of cultural properties ranks as the third largest international smuggling market after drugs and firearms, and also pays attention to its spread through online platforms.

Richly illustrated with domestic and international restitution cases, related international agreements, and directions for legal and institutional improvements, this book crosses the boundaries between popular and academic literature, providing practical guidance not only for general readers but also for legal professionals, cultural heritage workers, and policymakers.

Professor Song emphasized, “Cultural heritage restitution must be based on legal logic rather than emotions, and while international litigation is the ‘ultima ratio,’ it requires even more thorough strategies.”

Meanwhile, Professor Song Ho-young lectures on civil law at Hanyang University School of Law, has served as president of the Korean Association of Cultural Arts Law and the Korean Property Law Association, and founded the International Cultural Heritage Law Research Association, making him a leading civil law scholar who has consistently pursued research on cultural heritage restitution and legal systems.