Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the trajectory of hikikomori research in Korea, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview.
 Methods Utilizing a content analysis, we scrutinized 46 peer-reviewed academic journal papers to discern publication trends, evolving keywords, research design and participant demographics.
 Results The results reveals a noteworthy evolution in the landscape of hikikomori research. Commencing in 2003, an initial publication emerged, followed by a brief hiatus in 2004-2006. Since 2007, a consistent output of 1-3 studies annually has been observed, with a marked surge in publications observed from 2020 onwards. Notably, diverse disciplines contributed to the discourse, with a sequential prevalence in psychological science, humanities, sociology, and social welfare. In the early stages (2003-2020), scholars focused on themes such as ‘youth,’ ‘Internet addiction,’ and ‘maladjustment.’ In contrast, the subsequent period (2020-2023) witnessed a shift towards investigating the ‘8050 problem,’ ‘youth,’ and ‘social isolation.’ Since 2020, the term ‘eundunhyeong oetoli (reclusive loner)’ has been more actively used than ‘hikikomori.’ Disciplinary disparities emerged in research methodologies. Humanities and sociology predominantly engaged in the analysis of secondary data, literary works, and movies, while social welfare and psychological science prioritized empirical data analysis. Commonly employed measurement tools included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Social Avoidance and Distress (SAD). The subjects of the study included not only hikikomori themselves, but also their parents, mental health practitioners, social workers, people with physical or mental disabilities, and the elderly living alone. The most common criteria for being a hikikomori were as follows: (1) non-attendance at school or work, (2) aversion to social interactions, and (3) home confinement exceeding (4) three months.
 Conclusions The significance of this study is that it systematically organized and presented the research flow on hikikomori that has grown over the past 20 years. The limitations and implications for follow-up research were discussed.
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