Professor Yoo Il-sun, head of the Global ICT Convergence Security Innovation Research Center at Kookmin University, has been selected for the European Union's Horizon Europe program, a major collaborative research initiative aimed at enhancing international cooperation in strategic technological fields. This marks a significant achievement for a South Korean university, as it becomes part of a core European research consortium focused on the intersection of quantum technology and digital security. The Horizon Europe program is the largest of its kind globally and encompasses fields such as AI, quantum technology, advanced semiconductors, and digital security.

The selected project, titled "QuoUSKWe (Quantum computing European Union–South Korea Working Team)," will be executed over three years with a budget of approximately 2.7 million euros. The Politecnico di Milano in Italy will oversee the project, involving prominent European research institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany and IQM Quantum Computers from Finland. Kookmin University will focus on designing and validating the feasibility of an AI-based digital security system that integrates quantum computing and high-performance computing (HPC), with a particular emphasis on developing quantum-safe security technologies needed for next-generation communication environments (6G) and hyper-connected digital ecosystems.

Professor Yoo expressed the significance of this selection, highlighting that it recognizes the research competitiveness and innovation capacity of his university in the fields of quantum technology and digital security on an international scale. He aims to lead efforts in securing technological sovereignty and setting international standards in future strategic technology domains based on collaboration with leading European research institutions. Professor Yoo has previously contributed to advancements in security technologies within the telecom sector, particularly in the domains of 5G and 6G, thereby enriching the domestic security technology development and industry ecosystem.