Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the research trends on North Korean defector children. Methods: A total of 127 related research papers were analyzed according to their publication year, children's age, research area, topic, and method. Results: First, the study analyzed the research papers according to publication year and found that there was a rising tendency in their quantity since 1999, when the first study was published; additionally, we found that 12 or more research papers have been published annually since 2012, except for 2017. Second, concerning children's age, there were more papers on children in the school ages than children in early childhood. Third, the most popular research area was human ecology (22.83%), followed by education (19.69%), and psychological sciences (18.90%). Fourth, the most frequent research topic was family/welfare (28.35%), followed by psychology/sexuality/counseling (20.47%), and education/activities (16.54%). Fifth, the most popular methods were qualitative research (28.35%), survey research (27.56%), and experimental study (18.90%). Conclusion: First, there is a need to expand research on young North Korean defector children. Second, expanding research on fathers as parents is also essential. Third, it is necessary to develop teaching-learning methods and welfare programs applicable to the field with various members of society, including North Korean defector children. Fourth, studies need to examine the lives and changes of North Korean defector children from a long-term perspective beyond short-term research. Finally, comparative studies on the unique characteristics of North Korean defector children should be performed according to their diverse backgrounds and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]