AI image misrepresented as rally outside South Korean tech giant Samsung’s headquarters

Ahead of the expected passage of legislation in South Korea that would broaden labour protections, an AI-generated image was shared in posts falsely claiming it showed striking workers outside the headquarters of tech giant Samsung. The image originated from a news report, where it was captioned as being created by ChatGPT, illustrating a hypothetical scenario once amendments to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act were passed.

The image appearing to show scores of striking workers holding up placards demanding Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong “join collective bargaining” was shared on Facebook on August 3, 2025.

“Situation in front of Samsung HQ due to the yellow envelope bill,” reads the image’s Korean-language caption, referring to proposed amendments to South Korea’s Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act that the ruling Democratic Party has vowed to approve.

According to The Korea Times, the bill would broaden protections for workers and strengthen their right to take collective action, including an expanded definition of legitimate labour disputes (archived link).

Business groups have criticised the bill, with a report in The Chosun Daily saying industry leaders had warned the proposed changes could escalate strikes, delay production, and force shutdowns (archived link).

The same image was also shared in similar posts in Facebook groups frequented by conservative users, as well as on the South Korean forum Ilbe.

“The law hasn’t even passed yet and these commies are already striking,” read a comment on one of the posts.

Another said: “They’re taking part in Lee Jae Myung’s plan to nationalise all businesses.”

But as of August 5, there have been no official reports of such a protest outside the Samsung headquarters.

Hypothetical scenario

A keyword search found the falsely shared image first appeared in a July 2025 report by South Korean outlet Edaily, which speculated on possible labour unrest if the yellow envelope bill were to become law (archived link).

The image’s caption says it was generated using ChatGPT.

A visual analysis of the image reveals inconsistencies indicating it was made with AI, such as distorted lettering on protest placards, misshapen or fused limbs on protesters, and an unnatural crowd arrangement.

Although generative AI technology is improving rapidly, identifying visual inconsistencies remains the best way to distinguish fabricated content from genuine material.

Moreover, the buildings and environment in the falsely shared image do not match Google Street View imagery of the area outside Samsung’s headquarters in Seoul (archived link).

AFP has debunked other false claims misrepresenting AI-generated images and videos as real-life events.