(LEAD) Seoul shares open sharply lower on U.S. losses, inflation concerns

SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- Shares in Seoul experienced a sharp decline on Tuesday, as losses in U.S. technology stocks dampened investor confidence prior to key companies' earnings announcements and the release of U.S. inflation data. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index saw further losses, sliding 4.03 percent to 6,126.65 as of 9:15 a.m. Overnight, U.S. stocks were mixed, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.38 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite down 0.44 percent.

Investors are eagerly awaiting the release of the U.S. consumer price index report due on Wednesday (U.S. time), which may provide additional insights into the Federal Reserve's policy stance ahead of its October rate-setting meeting. Major companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hyundai Motor saw significant drops in their stock prices.

Meanwhile, Hybe, the agency behind the popular K-pop boy band BTS, and its rival entertainment agency SM were among the few gainers. The Korean won was trading at 1,335.70 won per U.S. dollar, up 0.1 won from the previous day's close.