Abstract

This study conducted a keyword network analysis of 168 articles published in KCI-listed journals between 2000 and July 2025 to examine research trends in digital citizenship in Korea. The research procedure included data selection, keyword refinement, frequency analysis, keyword co-occurrence network analysis, and time-series analysis. The results showed that digital citizenship research has steadily increased since the 2010s, with rapid growth observed particularly after 2021. Keyword network analysis identified 15 sub-clusters, which were further integrated into 5 broader categories for interpretation. The findings indicate that digital citizenship research in Korea has primarily focused on teachers and learners in the field of education. At the same time, emerging technologies such as the metaverse and AI, as well as social issues such as digital crimes, have emerged as major topics. In addition, research subjects have become increasingly diversified. However, studies from the perspective of digital inclusion remain limited. Accordingly, future studies on digital citizenship should extend beyond an education-centered approach to encompass diverse academic fields such as communication and library and information science. In addition, research addressing emerging technologies, such as AI, and various social issues needs to be further strengthened, and an inclusive perspective that embraces information-disadvantaged groups is of particular importance.