Korean shares kicked off nearly 3 percent higher Wednesday, driven by sharp gains in blue chip tech shares, despite continuing uncertainties in the Middle East. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 162.04 points, or 2.87 percent, to 5,802.52 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Overnight, major U.S. indexes closed higher for the second straight session despite a rebound in global oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.1 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.5 percent and the S&P 500 gained 0.2 percent. Investors' eyes are on the situation in the Middle East amid hopes for the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil export route, and the two-day U.S. Federal Open Market Committee meeting this week for a rate decision. In Seoul, most top-cap shares opened in positive territory as tech shares continued their strong momentum fueled by expectations for robust chip sector performance. Market top-cap Samsung Electronics surged 4.44 percent, and its chipmaking rival SK hynix soared 3.71 percent. The two companies were a