'Minister of Health and Welfare Rumors' Park Jumin: "I've Experienced Hair Loss Myself... It's Complicated to Discuss"

On Speculation of Becoming the Next Minister: "Thankful for the Positive Evaluation"

"Health Insurance Fund Is Not in a Robust State"

Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on speculation surrounding his potential nomination as the next Minister of Health and Welfare, saying, "I appreciate the positive evaluations." Regarding the recent public discussion on the 'health insurance coverage policy for hair loss medication,' he maintained a cautious stance.

On June 17, Assemblyman Park appeared on YTN Radio's program "Kim Junwoo's News Frontline." Addressing the rumors that he is a leading candidate for the Minister of Health and Welfare if President Lee Jaemyung's administration proceeds with a partial cabinet reshuffle, he said, "When President Lee Jaemyung was the party leader, we worked together to resolve the medical crisis. As chair of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, I also achieved consensus on reforming the parameters of the National Pension, including pension reform itself," adding, "I believe these areas are being considered and reviewed."

Jumin Park, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yonhap News.

Regarding the proposal to expand National Health Insurance coverage to include hair loss treatments, he stated, "The government has not definitively decided to implement this policy," and added, "As far as I know, the intention is to review various factors and collect public opinions, then make a decision around autumn."

However, he emphasized, "The health insurance fund is not in a particularly robust state, and if you take into account future demographic changes, this is not an issue that can be addressed quickly or easily." He noted, "As someone who has personally experienced hair loss, I can say that it is complicated and difficult to categorize it as merely a cosmetic issue."

Assemblyman Park stressed, "We must establish strict standards to ensure the health insurance fund is managed responsibly, and it is necessary to address and prevent any financial leakages as part of this process."

Making hair loss treatments eligible for health insurance benefits was one of President Lee Jaemyung's key campaign pledges. Previously, Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyeong stated during a recent press briefing, "We plan to develop measures after going through a public discussion process regarding the inclusion of hair loss medication in health insurance coverage."

Some in political circles have criticized the policy, arguing that it is a waste of limited health insurance funds. Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform Party, wrote on his Facebook page on June 16, "Health insurance is a promise to protect lives, not a gift for politicians to hand out for political gain. In the case of finasteride-based hair loss drugs, the patents have already expired, and generics are widely available. It is neither a matter of shortage nor of unaffordable cost."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.