'King of rom-com' abandons image

When one is asked to defineCha Seung-wonas an actor, the first thing that comes to mind is the 2011 megahit romantic-comedy "The Greatest Love". Cha's character Jin Dok-go helped shape his reputation as the "King of rom-com", but at the same time, Cha seemed thirsty for change.

Yesterday, a 30-second teaser video clip of Cha's new film "High Heels" was revealed on YouTube. Dressed in a classic black suit, the 43-year-old hinted that his new work will be an action film.

In the film, Cha teamed up with celebrity filmmakerJang Jin, who he worked with in the 2007 film "A Day with My Son". Jang also wrote the recent play "December: Unfinished Song", which follows Korea's legendary folk singerKim Kwang-seok's story. He also produced Saturday Night Live Korea from 2011-12.

In the film Cha will play a detective who encounters a mysterious situation.

In addition, he will also be back on the small screen in SBS's new drama series "You're Surrounded". By no coincidence, he plays a veteran police officer at Gangnam Police Precinct in southern Seoul, where he will guide the fledgling detectivesLee Seung-giandKo Ah-ra.

While "High Heels" will be released in the latter part of the year, he will first return to the television by the end of April.

By Kim Hee-eun, contributing writer