Unrecognizable! AI Photo Editing of Hsu Chiao-hsin, Hsu Chen-wei Criticized as 'Fu Kun-chi Retouching Kit'

A campaign advertisement for the Kuomintang (KMT) party in Hualien has sparked widespread mockery due to its extensive use of AI-generated photo editing. The ad, which ran as a half-page feature in the local newspaper 'Geng Sheng Daily,' aimed to promote a rally and support for Hualien County Magistrate candidate Hsu Yu-chen. However, the AI-altered images of key politicians, including Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin and incumbent Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei, were so distorted that many observers found them unrecognizable.

Online reactions were swift and harsh, with netizens comparing the edits to a "Fu Kun-chi retouching kit" and questioning the KMT's judgment. Many pointed out that the altered faces bore little resemblance to the actual individuals, with some even suggesting the edits made them look older or entirely different people. The advertisement's perceived failure to accurately represent the candidates has led to accusations of embarrassment and incompetence for the party.

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Hualien's KMT, if you're going to use AI, at least check it! None of them look like themselves!

Independent Hualien County Councilor Yang Hua-mei also shared the altered photos online, criticizing the KMT's lack of quality control. The incident has become a talking point, with many local residents expressing amusement and disbelief at the party's decision to use such heavily manipulated images in their campaign materials. The KMT is reportedly planning a large rally to demonstrate party unity and support for Hsu Yu-chen, but the controversy surrounding the AI-edited photos has cast a shadow over their efforts.

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Did you use the Fu Kun-chi retouching kit?