South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is garnering the bald vote by touting authorities funding for hair-loss remedies.

He proposed the concept this week, telling reporters on Wednesday that he thinks the nationwide healthcare insurance coverage program ought to cowl hair-loss remedies.

"Please, tell us what has been inconvenient for you over hair-loss remedies and what should be mirrored in insurance policies," Lee wrote on Fb. "I am going to current an ideal coverage on hair-loss therapy."

The proposal resulted in hair loss turning into a scorching matter of debate forward of the presidential vote in South Korea in March. Earlier elections have centered on North Korea's nuclear program, scandal, financial points and relations with the U.S.

On-line communities for bald individuals have posted many messages supporting the proposal.

Among the messages on social media learn, "Jae-myung bro. I really like you. I am going to implant you within the Blue Home" and "Your Excellency, Mr. President! You are giving new hope to bald individuals for the primary time in Korea."

Nonetheless, there may be additionally criticism, as some say it is a ploy by Lee to achieve votes.

Candidate Ahn Cheol-soo referred to as Lee's proposal irresponsible and pledged to cut back the costs of generic medication, in addition to fund the creation of a brand new therapy if elected, in response to The Japan Occasions.

Lee mentioned practically 10 million individuals cope with hair loss, however many should look abroad to order medicines or use prostate medication as an alternative choice to expensive remedies, the South China Morning Publish reported.

On Wednesday, he mentioned that hair-loss protection is important when taking a look at "physique completeness" and his marketing campaign is learning its attainable monetary impact, The Japan Occasions reported.

Lee as soon as mentioned he wished to be a "profitable Bernie Sanders," turning into well-known when he advocated for common fundamental earnings and for his response to COVID throughout his tenure as Gyeonggi prince governor, in response to The Japan Occasions.

Lee Jae-Myung, Hair Loss Treatment Coverage, Proposal
On-line communities for bald individuals have posted many messages supporting South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's proposal to have the nationwide healthcare insurance coverage program cowl hair-loss remedies. Above, Lee speaks throughout a information convention on the KIA Motors plant on January 4, 2022, in Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Photographs

Lee, an outspoken liberal, is main public opinion surveys. Some critics have referred to as him a harmful populist.

"[Lee's idea] might look like a obligatory step for many individuals worrying about their hair loss however it's nothing however critical populism, on condition that it could worsen the monetary stability of the state insurance coverage program," the conservative Munhwa Ilbo newspaper mentioned in an editorial Thursday.

Presently, hair loss associated to ageing and hereditary components is just not coated by the government-run insurance coverage program. Hair-loss remedies are solely supported if the loss is brought on by sure ailments.

Studies say one in each 5 South Koreans suffers from hair loss.

The Related Press contributed to this report.