[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] March 20, 2024; Seoul, SOUTH KOREA; Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani reacts after playing against the San Diego Padres during a MLB regular season Seoul Series game at Gocheok Sky Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Seoul Series-Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Diego Padres
KOREA — The 2024 MLB regular season is underway.
But just before the Dodgers and the Padres were ready to take the diamond from the Gocheok Sky Dome in South Korea, a disturbing event unfolded.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency reportedly received a bomb threat targeting the stadium.
The threat, which specifically mentioned the intent to harm Shohei Ohtani and others during the game, has sent shockwaves through the sporting community and raised concerns about the safety of players and spectators alike.
The threat emerged on Wednesday, and casted a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebration of baseball, uniting fans from different parts of the world. Instead, it sparked fear and uncertainty, prompting swift action from law enforcement agencies and stadium authorities.
The Gocheok Sky Dome was immediately placed under heightened security measures as authorities scrambled to assess the credibility of the threat and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Seoul police remain in search of the email’s sender, though authorities later confirmed that the bomb threat wasn’t credible.
MLB released a statement, addressing the situation that ensured the safety of those involved.
“The safety and security of our fans and everyone in the ballparks where we play are always our first priority,” the statement read.
“MLB Security works closely with local officials to ensure a safe environment for all those who attend our games. MLB, along with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and other local officials, will continue to monitor the situation closely and take any appropriate steps throughout the event.
So we moved on, and the teams (as scheduled) took the field Wednesday morning. The Dodgers defeated the Padres 5-2 in the first regular-season MLB games ever played in South Korea.
The two squads will play another game on Thursday, while the rest of the league will not begin regular-season play until March 28.
