When people meet in South Korea, they exchange the usual information — names, hometowns, jobs and ... blood type? In South Korea, blood types are believed to have specific characteristics.

It's sort of like asking someone their astrological sign — blood-type traits can reveal compatibility.

To tell the truth, I don't know my blood type. Koreans who ask for my blood type look really confused when I tell them that.

Some Koreans truly believe that they can't get along with people who have a certain blood type. Some clever men might tell a little white lie about their blood type to get a second date.

Here are a few categories — what's your type?

TYPE A

Men in this category tend to be the model student in school. Rational and law-abiding, the type A man strives to contribute to society. Getting along with others is a priority and he tends to do well in a corporate environment. This person is neither selfish nor giving, rather he's a good mediator and peacemaker. This person is fair and polite in manner. On the downside, this person tends to be sensitive and may not express his feelings. Stubbornness is common in this category as well. Women tend to like blood type A men because they are seen as responsible husbands and fathers. And the household should be relatively neat, since this person tends to be organized.

Type A women are also very caring, loving, detail-oriented, and can get along with people of any blood type. Because these women care so much about what the other person thinks or feels, they lack some individuality and often just strive to match the other person. This person gets bored quite quickly and needs change from time to time.

TYPE B

Women do not like men with blood type B because they are so unpredictable. There is even a recent South Korean movie called "Man with Blood Type B." This person is very individualistic and believes in himself whether he is right or wrong. He disregards what others say and doesn't expect or want others to believe what he believes. Basically, he doesn't care for others or what they think. This person tends to have great ideas.

A woman in this category feels she is different from everyone else. She's free and has no desire or need for affirmation — which can lead to unpredictable behavior. People often are hurt by type Bs because of this disregard for others' feelings.

TYPE O

Extremely loyal, a type O guy would go to the ends of the Earth for his close friends. If you are dating a type O man, he will be trustworthy and someone you can depend on.

He tends to get involved in things that don't concern him, whether it is his friend's business or personal matters. Many heroes are known to have this blood type.

O blood types are very open, have many friends and are often interested in trying and learning new things. O types have no fear of getting in front of crowds to lead a cheer or take charge. They can be a bit selfish and lack deep thought or feelings. Trust is most important in O types.

TYPE AB

AB blood types have a mix of A and B traits. For example, they have an open personality like type Bs and are rational like type As.

Also known as the mystery blood type, ABs are unpredictable and don't like others to know personal details. ABs tend to keep their distance. Things are black and white for this type and don't leave much room for gray areas when it comes to issues and opinions. ABs can be labeled in one word: cold.

In South Korea, personality-by-blood-type is a conversational piece and, hey, when you know nothing about a person, it's something to go on.

When someone's out-of-left-field action leaves you at a loss for words, blood-type classification is a last resort for an explanation. You might hear someone end a conversation with: "No wonder he did that, he must be blood type B."

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD, which televises K-dramas. If you have a K-drama question or comment, call KBFD at 521-8066 or reach Chung at jeffchung@kbfd.com.

PLOT THICKENS IN 'PALACE' FINALE

'THANK YOU, LIFE'

EPISODES 11 AND 12

Tonight at 7: Yeon-kyong is diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer.

Tonight at 8: In-seok cries with wailing Yeon-kyong. In-seok runs into Yoon-ho, who brings flowers for Yeonkyong. Yoon-ho finds an old picture of Yeon-kyong and In-seok.

'WHAT'S YOUR STAR?'

EPISODES 9 AND 10

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Bok-shil finds Seung-hee at the airport and begs him not to leave. She's embarrassed when Seung-hee tells her he's only going to Australia for business.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Jung-hoon tells Seung-hee not to hurt Bok-shil, and Seung-hee tells him he has nothing to worry about. Seung-hee tells Bok-shil he has no feelings for her as a woman.

'LOVE & AMBITION'

EPISODES 15 AND 16

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Tae-joon tells Tae-soo to leave his family to be with the person he loves. Hong-jo also offers to help him, but Tae-soo's mother is adamant about giving the baby a proper family. Tae-soo heads back to the orchard but can't bring himself to tell Eun-hwan the truth.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Mi-ja is grateful to director Kim, who adores her, but still feels lonely. When she finds out Kim has seen Tae-joon's letters, she asks Hae-joo to keep them for her. Tae-soo finally tells Eun-hwan the truth about Jung-ja and his son.

'THE PALACE'

EPISODES 23 AND 24

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Shin is the prime suspect in the arson case. Shin pleads innocent, but the evidence points to him. Chae-kyong believes Shin is innocent and stands by him. Yool realizes his mother is involved in the plot against Shin.

Saturday at 7:50 (final episode): Things are looking worse for Shin as more evidence is uncovered in the arson case. Shin is taken away by the authorities, and Chae-kyong is ordered to leave the country.