A debate over public funding for hair-loss treatment has intensified after President Lee Jae Myung ordered officials to review a possible expansion of health insurance coverage for the condition, describing baldness as “a matter of survival.” Critics, however, argue that scarce health resources should first be directed to life‑threatening illnesses. Speaking at the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s policy briefing to the president earlier this week, Lee said that while hair loss was once seen as a cosmetic issue, “these days it seems to be viewed as a matter of survival,” asking why it should not be treated as a disease within the national insurance system. Currently, the National Health Insurance covers only “pathologic” forms of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, on a limited basis, while age‑related baldness is not eligible for reimbursement. For many patients, the president’s remarks validated a long‑held belief that hair loss is not a trivial concern. “If covered, it would certainly help my finances,” said a 40-year-old architect, surnamed Kim, who has taken