Lee Jae-myung, a candidate of the ruling Democratic Party for next March's presidential election, speaks during a New Year press conference at a Kia Motors' plant in Gyeonggi-do. Photo / 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 programme, relations with the US, 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.
