Both dramas deal with matters of royal and imperial harems. But the story in Cruel Palace isn't limited to the harem itself as in Legend Of Concubine Zhen Huan/Empresses In The Palace. Cruel Palace deals a lot more with politics. If you want a drama that deals with the harem but it is not entirely about that, maybe you should give a try to Cruel Palace.
Secret Door's King Yeong Jo and Cruel Palace - War Of Flowers' King Injo share a lot of similarities emotionally and in portrayal of characters. Both kings are portrayed very human and with lots of emotions, fears and scars and fragility. Both kings were enthroned by a coup. Also their relationships with their sons are very similar too, with very conservative fathers and less conservative sons. Also, I'd like to say Cruel Palace's Crown Princess is almost like a female version of Secret Door's Crown Prince Sado. Both dramas are very political and I feel that if you liked one you will like the other.
(I'm sorry if this sounds like a strange recommendation!!!)
Lee Duk Hwa plays similar (and adorable) characters in both of these dramas. Both characters have high political status, love children and aren't romantically loved. I personally pitied the characters. Even though he was so adorable he only suffered :(
Lee Duk Hwa plays similar (and adorable) characters in both of these dramas. Both characters have high political status, love children and aren't romantically loved. I personally pitied the characters. Even though he was so adorable he only suffered :(