Seoul shares opened lower Thursday after U.S. stocks declined overnight, with rising oil prices linked to intensifying Middle East tensions increasing inflation concerns ahead of key U.S. inflation data. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) initially fell 0.18% and was down 20.11 points, or 0.29%, at 7,031.53 as of 9:15 a.m. The move followed escalating regional tensions and higher oil prices in overnight U.S. trading.