Photo: Lee Jae-myung's presidential campaign ad for hair loss. Credit: Presidential campaign of Lee Jae-myung.
On June 19, the Ministry of Health and Welfare 보건복지부 announced that the National Health Insurance 국민건강보험 will significantly expand coverage for hair loss treatment. With the new coverage, the cost for baricitinib - a hair loss drug with the trade name Olumiant - will drop by nearly 50%.
Health insurance coverage for baldness was one of President Lee Jae-myung 이재명 대통령’s campaign pledges. A campaign ad showing Lee stroking his own thick, silky locks became a viral sensation that shored up his support among men in their 20s and 30s, a demographic that otherwise leans significantly to the right.
