This article focuses on how to decide the record owner in case of the double or more record titles. The Real property Recording Act Article 15 clause 1 states every real estate should only one grantor-grantee index. Two or more indexes should not be searched with regard to any estate.
During the Korean war some public records offices were burned out. After the war, some lot numbers have been united or divided. These unsatisfactory situations make the double or more indexes possible.
The definition about the double or more record titles may be differently considered ; such as only original title or any titles on the chain of the title. I focus on a original title.
The rule of "one index-one estate" forces to choose which title indicates the owner among the double or more record titles. To solve this problem, there are two approaches; one is "prior in time, prior in effect" whereas the other is "bona fide owner in effect". The judical precedent takes the former. But the latter is more logic, justifiable and shortcut. I hope the Supreme court adopt the theory of "bona fide owner in effect".