Lee Jae Myung’s proposal has largely met with criticism in expert circles due to the threat of deficits in the health system.
Seoul – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has instructed his government to examine whether national health insurance can also cover hair loss treatments in the future. Myung made this suggestion during a meeting with senior officials. He argued that medical treatment for hair loss should no longer be viewed as “cosmetic” but “a matter of survival,” Wion News reported.
South Korea has a universal insurance system financed by income-related contributions. Currently, the system only covers hair loss that has medical causes, such as alopecia areata (circular hair loss). Most treatments for the widespread hereditary hair loss in men are excluded from insurance coverage.
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South Korea is known for its strict beauty standards. Hair loss is considered a stigma that can significantly impact young people’s lives. “There may be young people who feel it is unfair that they pay insurance premiums but do not receive benefits,” Myung explained. He added that the “feeling of alienation” among them had increased sharply.
A 2024 survey of young adults found that 98 percent of respondents believe attractive people enjoy social advantages. As The Guardian reported, cultural pressures are high for both women and men. Women in particular face high expectations when it comes to makeup, skin care and body shape. The topic of hair loss is less openly discussed among men, but many with receding hairlines grow out their bangs to hide the hair loss or seek expensive treatments.
Growing market for beauty treatments
Last year, 240,000 people in South Korea visited hospitals because of hair loss; Of these, 40 percent were between 20 and 39 years old, Wion News reported. The market for cosmetics and hair loss treatments in South Korea is considered one of the largest in the world and was valued at around 188 billion won (around 108 million euros) in 2024. Industry groups say that out of a population of more than 51 million, about 10 million people suffer from hair loss. Hair loss shampoos continue to be popular, although some products have been criticized in recent years for their claims of effectiveness.
Financial burden
The timing of Lee’s proposal is particularly sensitive as South Korea’s health insurance system is under increasing financial pressure. According to reports from The Guardian, internal forecasts suggest that the system could face deficits of up to 4.1 trillion won (about 2.4 billion euros) in 2026.
Criticism from specialist circles
The influential Korean Medical Association said that “instead of investing financial resources in covering hair loss treatments, covering cancer and other serious illnesses would be more in line with health insurance principles.”
Former conservative MP Yoon Hee-sook, whose relative is undergoing cancer treatment, wrote on Facebook that she knew many young people in her community who were suffering from stress due to hair loss. However, the social consensus prioritizes treatments that are directly linked to life and bodily functions. “More persuasion is needed to change this.” (editorial)
