Dr. Jung Min Bae featured on the cover of Monthly People, March issue

Featured as the cover person of the March 2026 issue of Monthly People: sharing the direction of vitiligo treatment through customized treatment by 12 types and total care

Heal House continues its efforts to not leave vitiligo solely in the vague realm of 'incurable.' Director Jung Min Bae of Heal House graced the cover of the March 2026 issue of Monthly People. The cover story, titled "Don't give up on vitiligo' — from 'incurable' to 'treatable disease'," covers the research and clinical practice that have continued to expand the treatability of vitiligo.

Even 15 years ago, when Dr. Bae began his research on vitiligo, it was considered a disease that does not heal well. However, as types with good treatment response were identified in clinical practice, the possibility of customized treatment opened up. Since then, vitiligo has been classified into twelve detailed subtypes, with different treatment goals and plans set for each type. This is because even if they look similar on the surface, the cause, treatment response, and long-term course can differ.

What was particularly emphasized was the timing of starting treatment. It was explained that even segmental vitiligo, which was known to have a success rate of less than 20%, can be increased to nearly 50% if treated actively in the early stages, and that the prognosis for pediatric patients is even better. Having observed the difference in outcomes between patients who started treatment early and those who missed the timing, he also conveyed the message that one should receive an accurate diagnosis before it is too late. This is also a message he has always emphasized.

To provide diagnosis and treatment in one place, the newly opened Vitiligo Clinic at the Gangnam Branch is equipped with a self-developed special imaging system that can detect lesions that are difficult to see with the naked eye, as well as various light and laser treatment devices. For cases where light therapy alone does not produce sufficient response, surgical treatment is also performed. Dr. Bae introduced non-cultured epidermal cell transplantation for the first time in Korea, and established the efficacy and safety of micro-punch grafting, leading to its coverage under national health insurance.

It is not possible to guarantee a complete cure for every vitiligo patient. There are certainly types that are difficult to treat and cases that require a long time. Nevertheless, not giving up and finding methods that can be tried, and also looking after daily life after treatment, such as skincare and nutritional management — Heal House will continue to expand the path of total care for vitiligo, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, surgery, research, and education.