Dodgers, Padres Season Opener in Seoul Interrupted By Fake Bomb Threat

South Korea is hosting the first game of the 2024 MLB season — a face-off between the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. This will also mark the first time South Korea hosts an MLB game, ever.

However, a moment of panic interrupted the lead-up to the heavily anticipated debut of new Dodger Shohei Ohtani after a person threatened to detonate a bomb at the game. 

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat in the 2nd inning during the exhibition game between Los Angeles Dodgers and Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 17, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)

According to multiple reports, an email relayed a bomb threat targeting Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, to a local Seoul police department, vowing to detonate it at the time of the Dodgers and Padres game.

The threat reportedly addressed Shohei Ohtani directly.

More than 120 police personnel inspected Gocheok Sky Dome, finding no trace of explosives or any credible threat. The email was typed in English. 

Dodgers v. Padres Get Pregame Bomb Threat In Seoul

Details provided by the Yonhap News Agency revealed that authorities tracked down the man who sent the bomb threat. According to authorities, the man has a history of fake threats, adding some ease to the situation. 

MLB released a statement, confirming their vigilance over the situation.

"The safety and security of our fans and everyone in the ballparks where we play are always our first priority. 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."

One aspect headlining the historic baseball game was the early start time for baseball fans in the U.S. 

The Padres ‘host’ their NL West opponent on Wednesday at 6 a.m. for those on the East Coast and 3 a.m. for the hometown fans stuck in Pacific Time.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 18: Freddie Freeman #5 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stand during the national anthem prior to the 2024 Seoul Series game between the Team Korea and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome on Monday, March 18, 2024 in Seoul, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 18: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after fling out out in the 1st inning during the exhibition game between Team Korea and Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 18, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)

Shohei Ohtani will make his major debut in Dodgers blue — L.A. fans will surely be napping, strategically, on Tuesday night to watch their new star player early Wednesday morning. 

Tyler Glasnow will take the mound for L.A. in the first game of a South Korea double-header between the Pads and Dodgers. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the heavily anticipated Japanese ace acquired by the Dodgers this offseason, will start on Thursday.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 17:  Shohei Ohtani  #17 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during the singing of the national anthem prior to the 2024 Seoul Series game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on Sunday, March 17, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Baseball's back. Hallelujah.

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