Dodgers-Padres Game Target of Bomb Threat in South Korea; Will Be Played as Scheduled

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency reportedly received a bomb threat Wednesday targeting the Gocheok Sky Dome, with the intent to hurt Shohei Ohtani and others during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in South Korea, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Harris noted that the Yonhap News Agency reported that no dangerous or suspicious activity was discovered by authorities, and the game remained on schedule to be played.

The game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. local time (6:05 a.m. ET) on Wednesday.

"The safety and security of our fans and everyone in the ballparks where we play are always our first priority," Major League Baseball said in a statement. "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."

Seoul police remain in search of the email's sender, per Harris, though authorities later confirmed that the bomb threat wasn't credible.

The Dodgers and Padres will open the 2024 season with a two-game international series at the Gocheok Sky Dome, the first regular-season MLB games ever played in the country.

Even before the Seoul Series was played, it appeared to be a hit with South Korean baseball fans. Tickets for the games reportedly sold out within an hour, per Fabian Ardaya and Dennis Lin of The Athletic.

While the Dodgers and Padres will play two games this week, the rest of the league will not begin regular-season play until March 28.