The 2024 MLB season opener in Seoul got off to a frightening start.
An extensive search by the police in Seoul found no evidence of explosives at Gocheok Sky Dome after a bomb threat was reported against Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. About 150 officers, aided by dogs and high-tech equipment, thoroughly checked the stadium but found nothing suspicious.
The threat was initially sent via email to South Korea’s consulate general in Vancouver, Canada, with claims of an explosive planned for the MLB opener between the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Authorities have linked the threat to a person previously known for similar hoaxes, posing as a Japanese lawyer.
Despite the disruption, preparations for the historic game—the first MLB regular-season event in South Korea—continued without a hitch, with an increased security presence of around 350 officers during the game for added safety. Major League Baseball confirmed the match would go ahead as scheduled, emphasizing fan and player security as their utmost priority.
The Dodgers ended up defeating the San Diego Padres 5-2, who will play once more in this series. The Dodgers are set to have their first 2024 game in Southern California this Sunday at Dodger Stadium, kicking off a three-game preseason series with the Angels. Their regular-season home start is on March 28, when they’ll face the St. Louis Cardinals.
