This post is trending because it touches on a visible, permanent difference in a common childhood vaccine mark between generations, sparking discussion about healthcare policy changes and the financial burden of non-covered medical procedures.
In Korea, the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis is mandatory for infants, and there are two main types: intradermal and percutaneous, with the latter often leaving a more noticeable scar. The distinction between 'covered' (급여) and 'non-covered' (비급여) medical procedures is crucial, as non-covered treatments are not subsidized by national health insurance and must be paid entirely out-of-pocket.
A recent online post has sparked a debate among Koreans about a seemingly permanent injection mark that some say lasts a lifetime, particularly for those born in the 2000s. The original poster, a '90s kid, shared that they received an intradermal shot without any lasting scar. However, they noted that many '00s kids are left with a visible mark well into their twenties, and to make matters more frustrating, this specific vaccine is now a non-covered, out-of-pocket expense, costing around 90,000 won (approximately $65-70 USD). This generational difference in vaccine marks and the financial burden has many netizens feeling like it's 'too much' to bear.