South Korea’s president pushes to expand health insurance to cover hair loss treatments, citing mental health and social stigma.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is urging health insurance to cover hair loss treatments, arguing that societal pressures and mental health impacts make it a significant quality-of-life issue. Currently, only medically caused hair loss is covered; hereditary baldness is excluded as cosmetic. Lee challenges this distinction, citing self-esteem, employment discrimination, and social stigma. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched a review to assess medical necessity, costs, and public opinion. The move has sparked national debate over expanding insurance coverage to non-life-threatening conditions affecting psychological well-being.