The much-awaited Seoul Series almost didn’t happen. The game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres was threatened by a terror-filled (false) alarm. The Opening Day festivities at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, were shaken by their roots when a bomb threat earlier on Wednesday cast a dark shadow over the historic event.
The emailed threat which was reportedly sent to the South Korean consulate official in Canada had the stadium and particularly Shohei Ohtani on their hit list. This couldn’t have been more personal for the Dodgers’ and their prized offseason acquisition. The news of the threat spread like wildfire, but in the end, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. So what makes one think everything is safe and back to normal?
One threat was enough to topple the Seoul Series – Thankfully all is well now
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Swift investigations began as South Korean authorities took matters into their hand. Seoul Metropolitan Police promptly dispatched special operations units to diligently do a sweep in the stadium leaving no spot unchecked. Reports say that the threat was a hoax perpetrated by a notorious individual who has a history of such acts.
In other news, Seoul police have confirmed that a bomb threat claiming to target the Gocheok Sky Dome (and Shohei Ohtani) tonight was not credible, per a person with knowledge of the situation
The Dodgers-Padres game will proceed as plannedhttps://t.co/WC6a4Uv4mY
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 20, 2024
Major League Baseball, who prioritize fan safety over anything else, pressed on their commitment to be vigilant and provide a secure environment. Their statement read, “The safety and security of our fans and everyone in the ballparks where we play are always our first priority”. They further detailed their close collaboration with the local authorities to curate a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans.
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On one hand, the bomb scare undeniably caused a stir. On the other, it didn’t overpower the historical significance of this series. This two-game set marks the first time MLB has staged regular-season games in South Korea. Further, this set-up is a testament to the sport’s growing global presence. There is no denying that the energy in Seoul will be electric and fans from all over the world will be welcome to witness this piece of baseball history unfold.
The Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres Match-Up will go down as one of the greatest in MLB history
That said, all eyes will be on the diamond where a captivating matchup is about to unfold. The starry Dodgers, flaunting their gem Shohei Ohtani, will face off against their nemesis, the San Diego Padres. The Padres, aggressively contending to dethrone the Dodgers as NL West champions, will be a dominant player. With a young and talented roster, they’ll be on their way to making a statement on the international stage.
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The Seoul Series is set to carry on as planned despite the scare. However, one is set to experience heightened security and a thrilling game with baseball fans roaring live or glued to the screen. This one is bound to be an unforgettable series.