Mythologies 2

Something I’ve been asked many times since being in Korea, particularly it seems by my female Korean colleagues is “what blood type are you?” At first I was rather baffled by this seemingly arbitrary question. To one from the West this question carries about as much relevance as “what is your average pulse rate?” or “what is your favourite household detergent?” but to many in Korea this is a pertinent question. At first I thought, Korea may be lacking in blood reserves of a certain type and that my vital fluid was being eyed up for donation and I was just about to be carted off to the nearest hospital for more extraction. However, much like some misguided people in the West and their attachment to horoscopes and astrology, many Koreans sign-up for the idea that the population of the world can be divided into a mere 4 groups, depending on whether your blood happens to be type A, AB, B or O.

I don’t actually know what my blood type is and I believe most people from the West don’t have a clue either. Why would we need to know? If we had an accident and required transfusion our blood would be tested for its type and then replenished (depending on supplies of course, we are always led to believe blood reserves are low). Simple. However, when I informed my colleagues that I had no idea, this was at first greeted with disbelief that I didn’t know and then dismay as I could not be placed into a neat category predetermined by my biological makeup. Which is just as well as it seems some people place stigmas on people within a certain grouping. Through a quick bit of research, I discovered that women in particular favour the male with type-B for a bit of excitement and gratification but when it comes to settling down with one, that is another matter. Type-B males (and for some reason this only applies to males, women with type-B seem to be exempt from this prejudice) are known as heartbreakers and only good for brief romances which will inevitably end in tears for the unfortunate woman. B’s are also thought to be impulsive, irrational, but on the plus side, very passionate (hence the short-time romance attraction). This viewpoint has been prevalent in Korea for years now and has even permeated popular culture, the K-Pop singer, Kim Hyun-jung, released a song called "Type-B Men” which was widely listened to. Poor male type-Bs. If they are looking to settle down they may be in trouble in Korea.

I had the opportunity to discuss this with one of Korean co-workers the other day. I asked her whether the whole blood type thing was serious or if it was just a bit of fun. My co-worker replied she believed in it and that it is indeed important to her. She then pressed me again for my type, so I reminded her that I still don’t know (even my own dear mother doesn’t know) She told me that when she first met me, she thought I was an ‘A’, but now she thinks I’m a ‘B’. At the time I hadn’t researched the different connotations attached to the different types so I just dismissed it. However, when I found out I laughed pretty hard. I have been in a very happy relationship for nearly 2 years with Sarah. We live together and get on brilliantly. Even in the past I don’t think I could ever be described as a ‘heartbreaker’ and anyone that properly knows me would say that I am pretty mild-mannered and practical. Alas, I’m certainly not excitingly impulsive or irrational, like my presumed type! I continued to talk to my her about this whole concept and brought up the question that what if she didn’t know a man’s blood type, became involved, then found out he was a ‘less desirable’ type, then how would this affect things? She laughed and said that would never happen as she would find out for sure exactly what type any would-be suitors were, before even considering any kind of romance with him! Seems like the men here might have their work cut-out securing a long-term partner. Good luck type-B’s, you’re going to need it!