In December 2023, the Korean Post-Quantum Cryptography (KpqC) competition advanced eight algorithms from Round 1 to Round 2. The second-round candidates comprised four key encapsulation mechanisms (NTRU+, PALOMA, REDOG, and SMAUG-T) and four digital signature schemes (AIMer, HAETAE, MQ-Sign, and NCC-Sign).
According to a KpqC competition overview, the eight algorithms were selected from an initial field of 16 candidates submitted in November 2022. The selection process evaluated security, efficiency, and implementation characteristics. The competition, run by the National Security Research Institute and the National Intelligence Service, was structured to mirror NIST’s PQC standardization process while producing Korean-specific standards. Final winners were expected to be announced in 2025.