Secure element for processing and authenticating digital key and operation method therefor

A secure element (SE) for processing a digital key includes a communication interface for communicating with a host, a memory for storing programs and data for processing the digital key, and a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory to receive a digital key processing request from a target device, determine whether a service is providable to the target device, by using a service-provider-specific service performance manager, process the digital key by using a digital key manager based on digital key processing information stored in the memory, upon determining that a service is providable to the target device, issue a digital key processing certificate by using the service-provider-specific service performance manager based on authentication information stored in the memory, and transmit the digital key processing certificate to at least one of a service provider and the target device.