South Korea seems like the rest of the modern world, you never know what the hot button issues or critical problems will be in an election, nor can the predictions of what politicians will promise be made. presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is pushing as part of his political platform for government payments for hair loss treatments, and the bald among the population is in complete support. As reported by the AP:
Since Lee Jae-myung’s proposal was disclosed earlier this week, hair loss has emerged as a hot-button topic ahead of South Korea’s presidential vote
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung isn’t bald. But he is enjoying the support of many bald voters over his push for government payments for hair loss treatments.
Since his proposal was disclosed earlier this week, hair loss has emerged as a hot-button topic ahead of March’s presidential vote in South Korea, where previous elections have focused on North Korea’s nuclear program, relations with the U.S., scandals, and economic problems.
Online communities for bald people are flooded with messages supporting his proposal. There is also strong criticism that it’s just a populism-driven campaign pledge by Lee, the governing party candidate, to win votes.
Messages on social media include, “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 first time in Korea.”
Lee told reporters Wednesday that he thinks hair regrowth treatments should be covered 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 wrote on Facebook. “I’ll present a perfect policy on hair-loss treatment.”
Lee, an outspoken liberal, is leading public opinion surveys. Some critics have called him a dangerous populist.
“(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 said in an editorial Thursday.
Currently, hair loss related to aging and hereditary factors is not covered by the government-run insurance program. Hair loss treatments are only supported if the loss is caused by certain diseases.
Reports say one in every five South Koreans suffers from hair loss.
By HYUNG-JIN KIM
