On March 26, 2025, SK Broadband announced a significant milestone in the realm of cybersecurity with the completion of a dedicated line for quantum-resistant cryptography (PQC) for Korea Electric Power Technology. This development marks the first business order and application since the commercial launch of PQC services in 2023, heralding the beginning of a new era in quantum cryptography in South Korea.
Industry insiders have applauded the achievement, noting its importance in securing critical data across Korea Electric Power Technology's headquarters and field offices. The company will now be able to protect vital information more effectively, a necessity as quantum computing technology continues to advance rapidly.
SK Broadband highlighted that the PQC dedicated line was instrumental in securing the business order from Korea Electric Power Technology. “The PQC dedicated line played a decisive role in Korea Electric Power Technology’s dedicated line business order,” a representative stated. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of quantum communication technologies in public sectors, especially as the threat of quantum computing-based hacking looms.
Quantum cryptography can be broadly categorized into two types: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). QKD employs the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute encryption keys simultaneously at both ends of a communication channel, theoretically providing unbreakable security. However, it requires specialized equipment and separate lines, which can impose distance and cost constraints.
On the other hand, PQC utilizes mathematical problems that are difficult for quantum computers to solve, making it a software-based encryption method that can be easily integrated into existing network infrastructures without distance limitations. This flexibility is what makes PQC a frontrunner in the post-quantum era of security technologies.
The dedicated line project utilized a packet transport network (PTN) encryption transmission device, jointly developed by SK Broadband and the domestic transmission equipment company WooriNet. This device incorporates a PQC algorithm that enables real-time encryption while maintaining stable network performance, thereby effectively safeguarding the sensitive data of public institutions.
“The Korea Electric Power Technology order is the first case where PQC technology is actually needed,” said a spokesperson from SK Broadband. The successful implementation of this technology signals a growing trust in quantum-based communication methods within the public sector.
This move aligns with global trends, as the United States has been proactive in transitioning federal agencies to PQC. In 2022, President Biden's executive order formalized this shift, while the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is set to adopt PQC algorithms as national encryption standards in 2024. Meanwhile, the European Union is also advancing its quantum encryption initiatives through the Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI) project, which aims to establish quantum networks in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
As nations worldwide, including China, Japan, and Canada, increasingly adopt QKD and PQC technologies for enhanced security in finance, defense, and government communications, SK Broadband is committed to ensuring that its PQC dedicated lines become a fundamental part of South Korea's security infrastructure.
SK Broadband has a proven track record in the quantum cryptography domain, having been recognized as the top business operator in quantum cryptography communication demonstration projects managed by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea National Information Society Agency (NIA) for five consecutive years since 2020. The company also made headlines in 2022 by becoming the first in the world to implement QKD equipment on a national backbone network spanning 800 kilometers.
In a bid to further capitalize on the quantum security market, SK Broadband plans to unveil a new CCTV system utilizing quantum technology in the latter half of 2025. This system will employ a quantum random number generator (QRNG) to deliver encrypted video footage, further enhancing security measures.
However, despite these advancements, industry experts have voiced concerns regarding the need for government support to bolster the adoption of quantum communication technologies across public institutions. They argue that, similar to the initiatives seen in the EU and the US, South Korea should actively promote the expansion of its quantum communication market.
One industry official pointed out, “In Poland, the currently constructed quantum communication network exceeds 1200 kilometers, while Korea's network stands at 800 kilometers.” This comparison underscores the urgency for South Korea to accelerate its efforts in establishing a robust quantum communication infrastructure.
As the global landscape of quantum communication continues to evolve, the successful implementation of PQC technology by SK Broadband serves as a crucial step in securing South Korea's digital future. By enhancing its quantum security capabilities, the country positions itself to better protect sensitive information against the impending threats posed by the rise of quantum computing.
