- Identifying current challenges in quantum security and exploring plans to establish a national quantum security framework
- Expanding support for quantum security transition and diffusion, and promoting the establishment of a hybrid model
- Observing an integrated demonstration of quantum security technologies at Kookmin University's Quantum Campus

On Wednesday, September 3, Ryu Je myung, Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT (Minister Bae Kyung Hoon, hereinafter ‘MSIT’), held an on-site discussion for quantum security innovation at Kookmin University's Quantum Campus in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The meeting brought together industry, academia, and research experts in quantum security fields such as Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

This meeting was arranged to explore innovative solutions for a secure and reliable national security framework to support the AI era, amid rapidly advancing quantum computers and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks threatening existing cryptographic systems.

Prior to the meeting, Vice Minister Ryu listened to the vision and significance of the nation's first ‘Quantum Campus,’ proclaimed by Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) last July. He then observed a commercial demonstration integrating various quantum security technologies developed by Kookmin University, including quantum-resistant cryptography, quantum security modules, and quantum cryptographic communication.

The Kookmin University research team demonstrated △quantum cryptography-based vehicle remote control △qSIM application equipment and PQC integration for smartphone, CCTV, and drone security △a quantum cryptography communication network linked with international institutions. This proved that quantum security, previously confined to single technologies, can evolve into a converged and scalable platform technology.

Professor Lee Ok-yeon (Department of Information Security and Cryptography, Kookmin University), who led the integrated commercial demonstration of quantum security technologies, stated, “Quantum technology is a future core field that will determine national competitiveness,” adding, “Based on Kookmin University's Quantum Campus, we will take the lead in building a global quantum ecosystem through collaboration with the government, academia, and industry.”

During the main discussion session, Samsung SDS and GQT Korea each presented on the technological trends and current challenges of ‘quantum-resistant cryptography’ and ‘quantum cryptographic communication,’ respectively. Subsequently, the three major telecom companies shared the status of their quantum security technology development and service implementation plans.

The comprehensive discussion focused on: ▲Identifying concrete challenges in actual industrial settings ▲Overcoming obstacles to expand quantum security ▲International standardization strategies ▲Solutions to bridge the global technology gap. Experts emphasized that quantum security is not merely a technological transition but a core foundation underpinning national security and the economy, agreeing on the importance of fostering a government-private sector collaborative ecosystem.

Vice Minister Ryu stated, “Quantum security is an invisible yet imminent threat and a future core driver that will significantly enhance national security capabilities.” He added, “By 2030, we will secure exemplary cases of hybrid models integrating quantum security technology into national critical infrastructure and foster an industrial foundation through cultivating specialized personnel and companies to lead the innovation of the security paradigm.” He further emphasized, “Security in the quantum era is not something that can be completed overnight; it is a task requiring preparation over the next decade,” urging close public-private cooperation and the expansion of social consensus.

Meanwhile, Kookmin University officially declared its leap toward becoming a quantum technology-centered platform campus by holding a ‘Quantum Campus Declaration Ceremony’ last July. The Quantum Campus is Korea's first attempt to integrate Kookmin University's strengths in △information security △artificial intelligence (AI) △next-generation communications △future automobiles, connecting research, education, and commercialization. The declaration ceremony featured participation from global companies including IBM, IQM, AWS, and Orientum, who shared their vision for collaboration. Members of the National Assembly's Science and ICT Committee and Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee also attended to encourage Kookmin University's initiative.

Kookmin University plans to lead quantum technology research and talent development through future initiatives including: ▲ Launching specialized quantum education programs ▲ Advancing global industry-academia projects ▲ Expanding on-campus demonstration research facilities.