In the posts, Taeyeon stated, “I really want to apologize to you. I'm sorry for the pain I have caused.”

While her fans may have responded positively to the sincere apology, this acknowledgement to perceived guilt over the relationship scandal may have helped to shape negative reactions from fans of EXO.

On the June 23 episode of “Inkigayo,” program host Baekhyun was subjected to audience members who called the EXO member a traitor for his relationship with Taeyeon.

While this was distressing for Baekhyun and the other program hosts, it was an interesting side effect of SM Entertainment's acknowledgment of the idol relationship.

Some fans of EXO began to call for the removal of Baekhyun from EXO, following the “Inkigayo” broadcast and the situation which began to evolve into a full blown scandal.

While it was not previously considered a scandal, Taeyeon utilized the word in her statement. She opened her apology with “I know you guys were shocked and hurt by the scandal today.”

The situation has become further compounded by reports that Taeyeon was allegedy seen crying and apologizing to fans while boarding a plane in Gimpo International Airport on June 26.

 According to English language outlet Allkpop, witnesses who supposedly interacted with Taeyeon turned to SNS to spread news of their interaction with idol.

The Allkpop article goes on to state that one witnessed said that Taeyeon had asked her to, "relay to her fans that she was really sorry. She kept asking me to tell them she was really sorry and apologetic."

Girls' Generation has announced numerous relationships throughout 2014, however, none of the members have been as outspoken in apologizing to fans.

It is not unprecedented for idols to turn to SNS platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, or Weibo to express their frustration with either their fans or circumstances that were occurring within their lives.

However, the particular wording of the statement issue by Taeyeon not only acknowledges that she is dating, but serves as an admission of wrong-doing.

As opposed to the previously announced relationships within Girls' Generation, Taeyeon and Baekhyun had an on-going history of appearing together in cutesy photos and variety show spots.

Upon the announcement of the couple, many fans of both groups expressed betrayal and described feeling tricked by Taeyeon and Baekhyun.

Taeyeon chose the most resourceful method she knew to address the controversy, but this method appears to have completely backfired on her.

The Korean entertainment industry has utilized a combination of Confucian philosophy and post-feudal rules to create a situation in which an adult woman feel guilty for dating another consenting adult. Aside from the fact that both are public figures, the announcement of their relationship was only an announcement, not a sex scandal.

If situations such as this continue, K-Pop and Korean entertainment as a whole will suffer in terms of longevity. Hopefully, Taeyeon will be the last idol who has to apologize for dating.