Controversy Erupts Over South Korean President's Hair Loss Treatment Proposal

Fri Dec 19 2025 11:06:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Lee Jae Myung's suggestion to include hair loss treatments under national health insurance has sparked mixed reactions across South Korea, highlighting a societal debate on beauty standards and health priorities.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s proposal to include hair loss treatments in the national health insurance scheme has divided public opinion. While some praise the move as supportive of those suffering from hair loss, critics argue it's a distraction from more serious health issues, and question the financial viability of the policy amidst an already strained healthcare system. The debate reflects broader social anxieties related to beauty standards and gender issues in a society grappling with deeply rooted stigmas against baldness.

South Korea's well-coiffed president is on a mission to help the country's balding residents.

In his crosshairs: the national health insurance scheme, which he suggests should foot the bill for hair loss treatments.

President Lee Jae Myung made the suggestion to officials at a briefing this week, arguing that medical treatments for hair loss used to be seen as 'cosmetic', but now they are viewed as 'a matter of survival'.

Currently, South Korea's national health insurance covers treatments for hair loss caused by medical conditions, excluding hereditary cases, as health minister Jeong Eun-kyeong explained. Lee questioned this definition, pressing the idea that hereditary hair loss should also be classified as a legitimate health concern.

Lee's proposal has garnered praise from segments on social media, yet others see it as a politically motivated move. Some individuals who would benefit from subsidized hair loss treatments feel the policy seems unnecessary for costs averaging less than $200 a year.

The societal implications of this proposal are significant in a country known for strict beauty standards, where baldness can be particularly stigmatized. Statistics reveal that nearly 40% of those seeking hair loss treatments are in their 20s or 30s, reflecting the urgency of this issue for younger generations.

Addressing concerns over national health insurance finances, which are already under pressure, the president suggested implementing coverage limits. Critics, however, stress that funds would be better allocated to urgent health issues affecting vulnerable populations.

As the conversation continues to evolve, Lee's advocacy for hair loss treatment coverage remains intertwined with broader debates surrounding beauty, health, and political strategies in South Korea.