[Column] Park Jumin, Well-Acquainted with Hair Loss, Applauds President Lee's Review of Insurance Coverage for Hair Loss: "This Is the Real Korea"

"Hair Loss Is Also a Matter of Survival," Says President Lee
Park Jumin Has Openly Discussed His Hair Loss Multiple Times
Debate Divided Over Financial Burden and Policy Priorities

After President Lee Jaemyung ordered a review of health insurance coverage for hair loss treatments, Assemblyman Park Jumin of the Democratic Party of Korea welcomed the move. Park, who has openly shared his own experience with hair loss multiple times, is a politician well-acquainted with the struggles of those affected by hair loss. On December 16, Park posted a link to a news article about President Lee's remarks regarding insurance coverage for hair loss treatments on his social media, along with the brief comment, "This is the real Korea."

Park Jumin, Member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Jo Yongjun

This response came after President Lee, during a Ministry of Health and Welfare work report that day, mentioned the need to consider health insurance coverage for hair loss treatments, stating, "It seems that some young people feel it is unfair to pay insurance premiums without receiving benefits." However, Minister of Health and Welfare Chung Eunkyung explained during the report, "Hair loss is not a condition with symptoms or one that directly affects life," adding, "Other treatments for cosmetic purposes are also not covered by health insurance." In response, President Lee said, "In the past, hair loss was seen as merely a cosmetic issue, but nowadays, there is a perception that it is a matter of survival for some," and added, "I hope we can also consider measures such as limiting the number of treatments or setting a total cost cap if the financial burden is significant."

Previously, Assemblyman Park had consistently expressed the view that including hair loss treatments in insurance coverage is necessary as a policy measure. When President Lee pledged to expand insurance coverage for hair loss treatments during the 20th presidential election, Park drew attention by posting a verified photo in an online hair loss community with the message, "Everyone, let's be happy too." More recently, he appeared on YouTube broadcasts and revealed that he had undergone a hair transplant surgery. During the presidential campaign, when fellow party member Kim Sangwook said, "I've given up on having a full head of hair," Park encouraged him by saying, "Don't give up, you can do it."

Representative Joo-Min Park has consistently expressed the position that it is necessary to include hair loss treatments in insurance coverage as a policy measure. YouTube channel 'Joo-Min Park TV'

However, there are counterarguments that, since hair loss is not a life-threatening disease, the priority should be to expand coverage for non-reimbursed severe diseases, considering the health insurance budget. Some medical experts are concerned that if insurance coverage is applied to hair loss treatments for cosmetic purposes, support for cancer and severe or rare diseases-which already face financial constraints-could be further reduced. Even now, there are many patients with severe or rare diseases who cannot receive support due to the limitations of the health insurance budget, despite the development of new drugs overseas. For this reason, expanding insurance coverage for hair loss treatments is seen by some as not aligning with policy priorities.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare also maintains a cautious stance on expanding coverage for hair loss treatments. After the work report, Minister Chung stated at a briefing, "There are clear criteria and procedures for applying insurance coverage," and emphasized, "We must comprehensively review the validity of coverage and its impact on the health insurance budget." A ministry official added, "We will review not only hair loss but also what benefits can be provided to young people through health insurance overall."

The domestic hair loss population is estimated at approximately 10 million

Meanwhile, there are no precise national statistics on hair loss treatments for cosmetic purposes. However, academic societies and the pharmaceutical industry related to hair loss estimate the domestic hair loss population to be approximately 10 million. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients treated for pathological hair loss last year was 241,217, an increase of about 2.7% over four years compared to 234,780 in 2020. During the same period, the total medical expenses for hair loss patients increased by 20.7%, from approximately 32.28 billion won to 38.95 billion won.

Academic societies and the pharmaceutical industry related to hair loss estimate the domestic hair loss population to be approximately 10 million. The Asia Business Daily

By age group, those in their 40s accounted for the largest number at 54,724, followed by those in their 30s (51,619), 50s (46,913), and 20s (39,079). Notably, patients in their 30s or younger totaled 110,866, making up about 46% of the total.