Controversy Over the Scene of Tokyo Station in Video Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Liberation

A scene presumed to be Tokyo Station has caused significant controversy in a video produced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation.

The Ministry clarified that the scene in question is an "AI-generated image," but criticism continues despite this explanation.

According to reports from the Ministry and online communities on the 18th, the problematic video titled "Carrying the Meaning of 80 Years of Liberation into Tomorrow" was released on the official YouTube channel of the Ministry on the 15th, which is Liberation Day. The video, lasting 1 minute and 56 seconds, is composed of various scenes showing the development and achievements of Korean railways.

**Development and Achievements of Korean Railways**

**Allegations and Evidence of Tokyo Station that Started on Social Media**

The controversy began on the 17th when a user on X (formerly Twitter) captured a specific scene from the video and pointed out "the southern part of Tokyo Station."

The user claimed that the problematic scene bears a strong resemblance to the southern section of Tokyo Station, particularly noting that the vehicles in the video are shown driving on the left side of the road.

Indeed, a close examination of the video reveals vehicles traveling leftward in the upper right corner, making it easily identifiable as a Japanese road system. Additionally, some netizens have commented that the railway shown in the video resembles the narrow gauge typical of Japan.

As more compelling evidence, a similar video was found for sale on a stock video site, labeled "Timelapse of Trains in Tokyo at Night." Many have pointed out the strong inappropriateness of the phrase "Korean railroads carry the meaning of 80 years of liberation into tomorrow" being presented against a backdrop of Tokyo Station.

Given the sensitive timing of Liberation Day, this situation has sparked discussions about the verification systems in place during the content creation process of national institutions and the utilization of AI.

Despite the Ministry's explanation, many citizens have expressed their disappointment at the use of an image related to Japan in a video commemorating a day of significant historical importance.

***Image source: Commemorative video for the 80th anniversary of Liberation released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport / youtube 'Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport'***