We are now experiencing a time when the COVID-19 health crisis has subsided and academic activities are starting to become as vibrant as before. Personally, I am infinitely honored and grateful to extend my greetings to the members of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Korean Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Research Foundation, as I am now privileged to be serving as it's president for the next two years. In addition, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility carrying out the important duties of president at such an important time.

Since its founding in November 1976 with the first autumn academic conference, KSGE has grown into one of the largest academic organizations in Korea over the past half century through passion and the efforts of its members. There is no doubt that all of these achievements have been strengthened through blood, sweat, and the efforts of the previous board members. These members would include presidents, ex-chairpersons, and all senior members. At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest respect and gratitude to all of them. Over the next two years, I will embark on and enhance on past efforts so that our society can emerge as the best gastrointestinal endoscopy society in Asia, or even in the world.

First, I will work on internal and external development by building a solid foundation internally and expand externally.
I will inherit the policies and projects of the previous leadership and make it the basic framework for the management of the society. In addition, I will build governance for research societies worthy of the status of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Korean Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Research Foundation, one of the largest academic societies related to gastroenterology in Korea, and expand financial resources to support research. In order to faithfully fulfill our role of research governance, I will make special efforts by establishing a Task Force on Research Management, and will faithfully support the excellent research of KSGE members while systematically managing research results through increased research funding and fair execution. I will also enhance the status and benefits of endoscopists who are members of the society. Externally, I will further expand IDEN's internationalization, complete the basic structure system, and realize the globalization of K-Endoscopy.

Second, I will do my best to help our journal to enter SCIE.
Although our society is a world-renowned gastrointestinal endoscopy society, both in name and in reality, the status of the journal is not worthy of this status, and it has been overlooked, until now. The quantitative and qualitative standards of Clinical Endoscopy are already on par with the other leading journals of the world. In order to ultimately be evaluated as SCIE, (or in order to receive an evaluation commensurate with its value) I will establish a Development Task Force for CE, and gather the wisdom of many experts in Korea and abroad to ensure we reach our goal for entering SCIE.

Thirdly, I will greatly improve the status of the branch and revitalize it.
Our society has maintained an excellent relationship with branches throughout Korea for continuous communications and exchanges and each branch independently carries out high-level academic activities. Through active communication with the branch, I will solidify the internal structure of the branch and support its further development. For this purpose, I will appoint a vice president in charge of the branches so that we can listen to problems faced by the branches and make improvements.

Finally, I will strive to develop the medical-related industry.
Our society will actively participate in the development of medical devices and the cultivation of companies, and pursue coexistence with a win-win concept between the academic society and supporting companies. In addition, I will continue to do my best to organically contribute not only to national health but also to national industry through continuous and close cooperation with industry, academia, research, and the government.

Our society is already a leader in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy beyond Korea, in the Asia-Pacific region, and indeed throughout the world. Over the next two years, I will work with all of our members to grow our society into the best society in the world. I have no doubt that the generous advice and encouragement of our members will nourish what will make our society even stronger.

Thank you very much.

The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
President Jong-Jae Park
Congress Chairman Soo Heon Park