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Taiwanese KMT lawmaker slammed for using inaccurate AI image to mourn pilots

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A KMT party member in Taiwan is facing criticism for posting an AI-generated image to mourn fallen pilots.
  • The AI image contained inaccuracies regarding the pilots and the aircraft involved in the crash.
  • This incident follows a recent controversy where drugs were found at the councilor's home.

A member of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party is under fire for posting an AI-generated image to commemorate two pilots who died in a training aircraft crash. The image, shared on social media, has been widely criticized for its inaccuracies, drawing condemnation from netizens.

The T-34 training aircraft crashed on June 2nd, resulting in the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Lu Ji-you and Lieutenant Colonel Kuo Chun-nan. Shortly after the incident, KMT Hualien County Councilor Wu Chien-chih posted a message of condolence accompanied by an AI-generated image. Netizens quickly pointed out that the depicted pilots and the aircraft in the image did not match the actual individuals or the plane involved in the crash.

Deeply mourn, may the souls of the air force heroes live forever.

— Wu Chien-chihThe title of the controversial social media post by KMT councilor Wu Chien-chih.

This latest controversy comes just two months after police found drugs, including amphetamines and dozens of grams of etomidate powder and "zombie smoke bombs," during a search of Wu Chien-chih's residence. Wu's elder brother was arrested in connection with the discovery. The councilor claimed ignorance of his brother's activities, stating that his brother, as an adult, was solely responsible for his illegal actions. Wu expressed regret over his family member's "going astray" and supported strict legal prosecution, also calling for harsher penalties for new types of drugs.

Following the backlash over the AI image, Wu Chien-chih promptly removed the post and issued an apology. He admitted that insufficient verification led to the inaccurate image, causing distress. Wu pledged to be more cautious in future posts concerning significant military accidents and public events to prevent similar occurrences. He reiterated his apologies to the families of the deceased pilots, the air force, and the public.

I apologize again to the families of the two pilots, the brothers in the Air Force, and all friends who care about this matter; may the two pilots rest in peace, their souls at rest.

— Wu Chien-chihWu Chien-chih's apology after posting an inaccurate AI-generated image to mourn fallen pilots.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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