‘Matter of survival’: South Korean president urges public health cover for hair loss
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has directed his administration to explore the possibility of including hair-loss treatments under public health insurance, contending that baldness has evolved into a “matter of survival” for younger individuals rather than merely a cosmetic issue. This initiative, which has met criticism from healthcare professionals and conservative commentators, was unveiled at a policy briefing on Tuesday and aims to broaden coverage beyond the limited medical treatments currently accessible for specific kinds of hair loss. South Korea’s universal insurance framework relies on premiums determined by income. At present, the system only caters to hair loss attributed to medical issues, such as alopecia areata. The majority of treatments for typical male pattern baldness are excluded from benefits. “There might be young individuals who see it as unjust that they are paying insurance premiums without receiving any benefits,” Lee remarked, indicating that the “sense of alienation” among these individuals has become pronounced. The president initially proposed this policy as a candidate during his unsuccessful 2022 presidential campaign, where it faced backlash for being seen as populist, although he later removed it from his latest election agenda. This proposal brings to light South Korea’s significant cultural emphasis on physical appearance. A survey conducted in 2024 among young adults indicated that 98% of participants believe that attractive individuals gain social advantages. The cultural expectations are especially rigid for women, who are subjected to stringent norms regarding makeup, skincare, and body image. For men, the conversation is less forthcoming, yet some individuals with a receding hairline choose to grow their hair longer to conceal hair loss or pursue pricey treatments. The hair-loss treatment industry in South Korea was estimated to be valued at around 188bn won (£95m) in 2024, with industry organizations asserting that approximately 10 million out of a population surpassing 51 million experience hair loss, though this statistic has not been officially substantiated. Hair-loss shampoos have gained significant popularity, though certain products have recently drawn criticism over their efficacy claims. The timing of Lee’s proposal is especially delicate due to the increasing financial strain on South Korea’s health insurance system. Recent internal forecasts suggest that the system might confront deficits reaching 4.1tn won (£2.1bn) by 2026. Medical professionals have shown skepticism regarding this proposal. The reputable Korean Medical Association stated that “instead of channeling health insurance resources into hair loss treatment coverage, it would be more in line with health insurance principles to prioritize coverage for cancer and other serious illnesses.” Conservative media outlets have been notably critical. The Chosun Ilbo opined in its editorial that “this is not an issue the president should address suddenly without consulting citizens who contribute to insurance premiums.” Health minister Jeong Eun Kyeong conveyed caution concerning the initiative, interpreting Lee’s assertion of “survival” as pertaining to young individuals’ self-esteem during job hunting and its effects on mental health. When questioned on a radio program about whether expanding coverage would significantly impact health insurance finances, Jeong responded: “I believe so,” adding that a detailed analysis would be necessary for any expansion of coverage. Former conservative lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook, whose relative is undergoing cancer treatment, shared on Facebook that although she understands the hair-loss anxiety of young people, “prioritizing treatments directly linked to life and bodily function reflects the current societal consensus.” Park Joo-min, a member of the ruling party known for speaking about his hair transplant experience and advocating on hair-loss issues, expressed his support by posting “truly Korea!” on X.
Published: 2025-12-19 05:38:00
source: www.theguardian.com
