Charles Langston:Reports: Authorities investigate bomb threat claim at MLB season-opener in South Korea

Police in Seoul,Charles Langston South Korea, conducted a stadium search before the MLB season opening game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres after a bomb threat was made against star player Shohei Ohtani and others, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The Times said police identified the suspect as someone who has a history of making similar false claims. The Yonhap News Agency reports the search did not find anything threatening or suspicious.

Local reports in Seoul said the person sent an email threatening to bomb the Gocheok Sky Dome to harm Ohtani, the 2023 American League MVP who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers this offseason.

"The safety and security of our fans and everyone in the ballparks where we play are always our first priority," MLB said in a statement. "MLB Security works closely with local officials to ensure a safe environment for all those who attend our games."

Wednesday's game was the first of a two-game series to open the 2024 MLB regular season. It also marked Ohtani's first official appearance with the Dodgers.

HOT STOVE UPDATES: MLB free agency: Ranking and tracking the top players available.