Baldness becomes an election issue in South Korea

In response to presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung’s proposal that the government should pay for baldness treatment, online forums have been overwhelmed with support and encouragement.

Lee Jae-myung, a candidate of the ruling Democratic Party for next March’s presidential election, isn’t bald. However, he is receiving widespread support from bald voters in his campaign to have the government reimburse people for hair loss treatments.

Since the announcement of his proposal earlier this week, hair loss has emerged as a hot-button issue ahead of the March presidential election in South Korea, where previous elections have centered on North Korea’s nuclear program, relations with the United States, scandals, and economic problems, among other issues.

Messages supporting his plan have bombarded bald people’s online networks. There is also serious criticism that Lee, the governing party’s nominee, is simply making a populist campaign commitment in order to win votes.

One person wrote on social network, “Jae-myung bro. I love you. I’ll implant you in the Blue House” and “Your Excellency, Mr. President! You’re giving new hope to bald people for the fist time in Korea.”

According to Lee, who spoke to media on Wednesday, hair restoration treatments should be included by the national health insurance program.

“Please, let us know what has been inconvenient for you over hair-loss treatments and what must be reflected in policies,” Lee posted on Facebook. “I’ll present a perfect policy on hair-loss treatment.”

Lee, a vocal liberal, is polling the people. Some detractors have referred to him as a dangerous populist who threatens democracy.

“(Lee’s idea) may appear to be a necessary step for many people worrying about their hair loss but it’s nothing but serious populism, given that it would worsen the financial stability of the state insurance program,” the conservative Munhwa Ilbo newspaper wrote in an editorial Thursday.

The government-run insurance program does not currently cover hair loss due to aging or hereditary reasons. Hair loss treatments are only recommended if the loss is caused by a certain ailment.

According to reports, one out of every five South Koreans is affected by hair loss.

Image Credit: CNBC

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