More than seven thousand Koreans were guest workers in West Germany from 1964 to 1975. Author Joseph Lee was one of them. He worked in the coal mines on a three-year contract with the goal of saving money to earn a doctorate. In What Were Men, Lee shares a collection of stories from his life, including his personal experiences in the mines. He bears witness to the will and the ways of Koreans in Korea and abroad who acted boldly in spite of the difficulties they faced.

In this memoir, Lee discusses the various segments of his life. He offers entertaining stories about himself, his wife, and acquaintances who are flawed and so very human.

What Were Men narrates the story of a young Korean man who courageously unfolded his will for the future, who thought positively, and who practiced all things together.