Hair Loss Becomes New Election Issue in South Korea

JAKARTADAILY.ID - Plenty of bald voters in South Korea are in support of South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's views on the importance of hair loss treatment, The Associated Press reported on Thursday.

Lee told the media on Wednesday that he believes hair regrowth treatments should be covered by the national health care system.

"Please, let us know what has been inconvenient for you over hair-loss treatments and what must be reflected in policies," Lee wrote on his Facebook page. "I'll present a perfect policy on hair-loss treatment."

Following the announcement of his proposal earlier this week, hair loss has surfaced as a massive issue ahead of South Korea's presidential election in March, where past elections have concentrated on North Korea's nuclear scheme, ties with the U.S., scandals, and fiscal woes.

Messages promoting his proposal have overflowed online bald communities. However, there is strong criticism that it is simply a populist campaign commitment made by Lee, the ruling party's candidate, to earn votes.

Although the forthright liberal candidate is polling well in public opinion polls, some have labeled him a threatening populist.

The country's conservative publication Munhwa Ilbo released a statement in an editorial on Thursday: "(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."

Hair loss caused by the aging process and genetic inheritance is currently not covered by the government's insurance program. The treatments are only recommended if the damage is caused by a specific disease.

According to reports, one out of five South Koreans suffers from hair loss.