South Korean president Lee Jae Myung has instructed his government to consider extending public health insurance to cover hair-loss treatments, arguing that baldness has become a “matter of survival” rather than a cosmetic concern for young people.
The proposal, wich has as faced a backlash from medical professionals and conservative figures, was announced during a policy briefing on Tuesday and would expand coverage beyond the limited medical treatments currently available for certain types of hair loss.
South Korea operates a universal insurance scheme funded by premiums that are calculated based on income. Currently, the scheme covers only hair loss caused by medical reasons, such as alopecia areata. Most treatments for common male pattern baldness remain excluded from coverage.
“There might potentially be young people who think it’s unfair that they only pay insurance premiums and can’t receive benefits,” Lee said, noting that the “sense of alienation” among them had become severe.
The president first proposed the policy as a candidate during his unsuccessful 2022 presidential election campaign, when it drew criticism as populist pandering, but dropped it from his most recent election platform.
The proposal has highlighted South Korea’s intense cultural focus on physical appearance. A 2024 survey of young adults found that 98% of respondents believe attractive people receive social benefits.
The cultural pressure is particularly demanding.