Bibigo, other South Korean food brands tap growing appetites in U.S. and beyond

SEOUL/TOKYO -- South Korean food companies are expanding their presence in the U.S. and other international markets as hallyu, or the "Korean wave," extends beyond K-pop and K-dramas.

To accelerate its "Global Korean Food Expansion" plans, CJ CheilJedang is investing 700 billion won ($478 million) to build a production and distribution plant in the state of South Dakota. Completion is slated for 2027.