Why South Korea's president wants to help fund hair loss treatment

South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung, known for his own stylish hair, is advocating for the national health insurance to cover treatments for hair loss.

During a briefing this week, President Lee told officials that he believes hair loss treatments are no longer merely cosmetic but are now essential for well-being. Currently, South Korea's health insurance covers hair loss treatments only when caused by medical conditions. It excludes coverage for hereditary hair loss, because Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong stated on Tuesday that it is not life-threatening.

Lee questioned whether the definition of hereditary hair loss as a disease should be reconsidered.

While some social media users have praised Lee's proposal, with one calling him the "best president in history," others are skeptical.

Song Ji-hoon, a 32-year-old Seoul resident who uses hair loss medication, views the proposal as a potential vote-grabbing tactic. Song notes that the annual cost of his medication is less than 300,000 won ($200), questioning the necessity of subsidized treatment.

South Korea has strict beauty standards, and baldness can be a significant stigma, especially for young people. According to authorities, 40% of the 240,000 people who sought hospital treatment for hair loss last year were in their 20s and 30s.

Lee Won-woo, 33, from North Chungcheong province, says his receding hairline affects his ability to style his hair, impacting his confidence and appearance. While he would appreciate subsidized medication, he also acknowledges the financial strain on the national health insurance system, which is already in deficit.

He argues that hair loss is a natural part of aging and a cosmetic issue rather than a disease. He understands the emotional distress it causes but believes it doesn't warrant financial assistance from the national health system.

South Korea's national health insurance scheme had a record deficit of 11.4 trillion Korean won ($7.7 billion) last year and faces further strain from an aging population. President Lee suggested imposing coverage limits to mitigate the financial impact of covering hair loss treatments.

Critics argue that resources should be prioritized for more serious medical conditions and vulnerable populations. The Korean Medical Association stated that government funds should address more critical diseases before hair loss. Some social media users have pointed to issues such as South Korea's high suicide rate and misogyny as more pressing concerns.

One X user commented that covering hair loss drugs would be a "bad joke" considering the resistance to covering sanitary pads or breast cancer medication. Another user suggested that if hair loss becomes a matter of survival, the focus should be on changing society's perception of it.