When making historical pieces, Shin Sang-Ok seems to prefer visual brilliance and dynamic interpretation over accurate historical research. <b>Phantom Queen </b> portrays the love between the last king of the Koryo kingdom, Gong-Min, and princess No-Guk of Yuan, a Chinese kingdom. Gong-Min, who was held captive in Yuan, returns to Koryo after he marries princess No-Guk. King Gong-Min declares war on Yuan to keep his country′s sovereignty to Yuan, but queen No-Guk dies shortly afterwards. With the historical setting of the fall of Koryo and the rise of the Chosun kingdom as a backdrop, Gong-Min′s deep love for queen No-Guk is vividly portrayed in the film. Shin Sang-Ok′s visual brilliance and contemporary elements, like necrophilia, make this film a must see. <b>Phantom Queen</b> is the film most likely to be reevaluated for its place in Shin′s oeuvre. (Kwon Yong-Min)