Cha’s newly-released novel, “Today’s Forecast,” is the result of Cha’s sense of guilt about that particular incident.

“Caring words from strangers can really make a difference in lives of people who are suffering,” Cha said at a press conference in central Seoul, Tuesday.

Cha, who in 2009 published his first novel, “Farewell, My Hill” -- a fictional and historical account on Korea’s former sex slaves for the Japanese military during World War II -- said he decided to start his writing career to share one important message: Every life is precious and deserves dignity.

A mix of comical moments and serious drama, Cha’s “Today’s Forecast” portrays a day in the life of three socially marginalized characters: Na Go-dan, a homeless man who used to work as a waiter and eventually opened a restaurant; Lee Bo-chool, who makes 40,000 won a day as an extra for a TV drama; and former street gangster Park Dae-soo, whose daughter suffers from a fatal disease he can’t afford the treatment for.

“Many people ask me why I write novels when my actual job is to act,” Cha told reporters. “I wanted to spread a message that giving up one’s own life is not an option that is given to human beings. And that we can only continue to live our lives till the very end while supporting and comforting the ones around us.”

Having established himself as a prominent actor in Korea since his debut in 1993, Cha said frequent Korean celebrity suicides in recent years had disheartened him.

“When a famous figure commits suicide, it can mislead people who are also on the verge of killing themselves that it is alright to do it,” Cha said.

“Too many celebrities would appear on a TV show and easily say things like, ‘I’ve thought of suicide before.’ I think that’s equivalent of ‘I’ve thought of killing someone before.’ Influential figures should be more considerate about their public remarks.”

Though the novel contains some coarse language and cynical worldviews, Cha said he wants teenagers to read his book.

“It is important for me to let my young readers to get the main message of this book.”

When asked about being a successful actor, Cha said he, too, has had personal problems that he had to overcome. 

Having no training in writing, Cha said he’s been trying to read as much as possible. “Author Choi In-ho is one of my favorite writers,” he said. “I think the only possible way for me to learn to be a decent writer was to read some good writing.”

So why did he choose to spread his message through writing, rather than TV or film?

“Because books last,” he said. “It would be very meaningful if someone picks up this book a hundred years from now and gets inspired, or it helps him through his life.”

 By Claire Lee  (dyc@heraldcorp.com)