Archive · 6 Jan 2026
South Korea Debates Insurance for Hair Loss
The President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, wants the government to cover hair-loss treatments under the national health insurance.
He believes baldness is a serious issue for young people.
However, others, like the Korean Medical Association, think the insurance should focus on more serious diseases.
Currently, only hair loss from certain medical conditions is covered.
The idea has sparked a debate about beauty standards in South Korea, where many people feel pressure to look good.
Some worry this proposal might make those standards even stricter.
President Lee Jae Myung proposed extending health insurance to cover hair-loss treatments, calling baldness a 'matter of survival' for young people.
The Korean Medical Association opposes the idea, arguing that insurance should prioritize serious diseases like cancer.
Currently, only hair loss from medical conditions like alopecia areata is covered by the national insurance program.
A 2024 study found that 98% of young adults in South Korea believe good looks receive preferential treatment in society.
The market for hair-loss treatments in South Korea was estimated at 188 billion won (95 million euros) in 2024, with 10 million people affected.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and the Korean Medical Association
- What
- Debate on extending health insurance to cover hair-loss treatments
- When
- Proposed during a televised policy meeting last month
- Where
- South Korea
- Why
- President argues baldness is a 'matter of survival' for young people, while critics prioritize serious diseases
- President Proposing Coverage
- Lee Jae Myung
- Current Coverage
- Only alopecia areata
- Market Size (2024)
- 188 billion won (95 million euros)
- Estimated Affected Population
- 10 million
- Projected Insurance Deficit (2026)
- 4.1 trillion won (2.1 billion euros)
- Study on Beauty Standards
- 98% believe good looks get preferential treatment