Matter of survival': South Korean president urges public health cover for hair loss

"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, which has since 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 may 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 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 and acute for women, who face strict expectations about makeup, skincare and body shape. For men, the issue is less openly discussed, but some with a receding hairline opt to grow out their fringes to disguise hair loss, or seek expensive treatments."

President Lee Jae Myung instructed the government to consider extending public health insurance to cover hair-loss treatments, arguing that baldness has become a survival issue for young people. The proposal would expand coverage beyond limited treatments currently available for medically caused hair loss such as alopecia areata, and has drawn backlash from medical professionals and conservative figures. South Korea's universal insurance is funded by income-based premiums, and many young people feel alienated by paying premiums without benefits. Intense cultural pressure on appearance influences demand for treatments, with a large industry selling shampoos and costly procedures.

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