SEOUL, April 10 (Korea Bizwire) — Save the Children, a nongovernment organization for international relief and development, is conducting a “Save with Stories” challenge in which popular stars read fairy tales.

The challenge was arranged with a number of South Korean celebrities reading children’s stories out loud to help kids who are home-bound during quarantine or social distancing restrictions to fend off the coronavirus.

The challenge began with celebrities posting videos of themselves reading fairy tales on Instagram (@savewithstorieskr) and personal or agency Instagram accounts with #Save With Stories.

Actress Yoon So-yi, who was first to post a video, introduced a picture book that cheers and encourages a lovely little artist named Pepe.

Actor Kim Jun-su, a member of the popular boy band JYJ, recited a nursery rhyme featuring special moments found in a child’s life into a world of imagination.

By Wednesday, a week after the launch of the initiative, 17 celebrities had participated with the assistance of three publishers. The number of views exceeded 130,000.

The participating celebrities said, “We joined the campaign for housebound children who would be frustrated to stay at home during these warm spring days.”

“We hope that the children will receive a message of wise wisdom and warm comfort from the reading of fairy tales,” they added.

Along with the campaign, text donations will also be accepted. By texting #9595 with the message “Save With Stories,” 5,000 won (US$4.10) will be donated.

Donations collected will be used for children from low-income families and children raised by grandparents who suffer from COVID-19.

Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)