CJ CheilJedang to promote Korean liquor at PGA Tour event

by Kim Dong-young Posted : May 7, 2026, 09:36Updated : May 7, 2026, 09:36
A bartender making cocktails with Korean traditional liquor Munbae-ju at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 Courtesy of CJ CheilJedang
A bartender making cocktails with Korean traditional liquor Munbae-ju at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025/ Courtesy of CJ CheilJedang
 
SEOUL, May 07 (AJP) - CJ CheilJedang announced it will use this year's "The CJ Cup Byron Nelson," a PGA Tour event, as a platform to introduce Korean traditional liquor to global consumers, part of a broader push to position Korean distilled spirits alongside Japanese sake and Chinese baijiu.

The South Korean food giant said cocktails made with Munbae-ju and Gamuchi soju will be served to players and spectators at the tournament, which the company has sponsored through its Bibigo brand. Last year's edition featured four "K-Liquor cocktails" based on Munbae-ju, marking the spirit's debut in Texas.

Munbaeju is a grain-based distilled liquor made from millet and sorghum without additives, known for its distinctive wild pear aroma. The drink has gained a following across generations in South Korea.

"Thanks to the partnership with CJ CheilJedang, we have been able to introduce Munbaeju to consumers in the United States and beyond for a second consecutive year," said Lee Seung-yong, CEO of Munbae Distillery.

"The strong response on the ground confirms the competitiveness of our spirits and bodes well for future sales."

The company has signed supply agreements with liquor makers Munbae Distillery and Danong Bio, and is aging the spirits at a facility in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province. The first products, aimed at the U.S. market, are scheduled for launch in the second half of this year.

CJ CheilJedang has also been selected for the government's "Global Next K-Food Project," which supports overseas expansion of traditional Korean liquor producers through programs such as a "K-restaurant week" tied to local dining venues.