Jongsok Kim maps the loss of Korean cultural heritage during the Japanese colonial and military occupation between 1910 and 1945, and the possibilities for its return and restitution.
The author first outlines the earlier Japanese plunder of Korean cultural heritage during the Imjin War (1592-1598).
The Japanese colonial occupation of Korea began in 1910; however, the removal of Korean cultural property to Japan began earlier, in around 1905, when Japan had secured its political and military power after victories in the Sino-Japanese (18941895) and Russo-Japanese (1904-1905) Wars.
Therefore, Kim considers Japan’s institutionalised ‘investigations’ of Korean cultural heritage and assets from the late 19th century until 1945.
These activities were associated with the removal of Korean cultural property including artefacts, works of art, treasures, books, libraries and archives to Japan and also with cases of destruction of Korean cultural heritage.
Kim then introduces Korea’s claims for the return of cultural property after its restoration of independence in 1945. The process whereby the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Japan re-established their diplomatic relations in 1965 is highlighted.
Following the Agreement attached to the 1965 Treaty between Korea and Japan, Japan returned some Korean cultural objects, but not enough to match the original request from Korea…
