It is with profound joy that we, on behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 17th Gwangju International Interventional Cardiology Symposium (GICS 2019), extend this hearty welcome to you all, especially to the many distinguished guests and experts from home and abroad. It is a special delight to welcome you to the city of Gwangju, which is famous, among other things, for its rich and diverse arts, culture, and cuisine.

Launched in 2003, GICS marks its 17th anniversary this year. This yearly conference will provide all participants with a valuable opportunity to dive deep into a range of perspectives on hot-button issues and their far-reaching implications in the field of cardiovascular intervention and research.

The scientific program includes state-of-the-art lectures on the most recent advances and debated issues, oral presentations, posters, and live case demonstrations which will offer insightful and enriching experiences to all of us.

The Organizing Committee looks forward to an intellectually stimulating and profitable two-day meeting filled with many diverse and illuminating views and opinions from the presenters and lively discussions by participants that will further scientific awareness.

We hope that this gathering will also provide opportunities to share and exchange new experiences, facilitate the making of new acquaintances, and strengthen personal friendships among scientists from different parts of the world.

Once again, welcome and thank you very much for coming. It is a pleasure and an honor to host you here in Gwangju, and we wish everyone a rewarding and enjoyable stay in Korea.