South Korea's stock market opened lower Thursday as the U.S. market backtracked following the release of Federal Reserve's latest minutes. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) began in negative territory and stood at 1,935.98 as of 9:15 a.m., a loss of 6.95 points, or 0.36 percent, from Wednesday close. The Fed's latest minutes showed some policymakers pushing an early hike in benchmark interest rate. The central bank also made clear that it will keep trimming it current stimulus program in the absence of unexpected developments.