Although rubber bullets (RBs) are intended to be nonlethal, they can cause severe injuries under certain circumstances. This case report describes a rare penetrating chest injury in a 21-year-old male soldier who accidentally shot himself at close range with an RB. Upon arrival at the emergency room, computed tomography revealed lung parenchymal injury with hemorrhage and pneumothorax. An emergency thoracotomy with wedge resection was performed to remove the damaged lung tissue and foreign material, namely RB fragments. The soldier recovered and was discharged 17 days after surgery without complications. RBs are radiolucent, making it challenging to determine projectile location and trajectory from imaging alone, which can create a false sense of security regarding the severity of such injuries. Despite their nonlethal classification, RBs can cause fatal injuries; prompt surgical intervention is therefore crucial to achieving a positive outcome.

A year on from the end of coronavirus disease pandemic, there has been a resurgence in interest in international travel from South Korea. In the event of unexpected illness whilst abroad, there is a lack of information regarding the provision of medical services, repatriation, and treatment outcomes, both abroad and upon return to South Korea. A 39-year-old male experienced swelling, redness, and severe pain in his right upper arm, axilla, and anterior chest wall after undergoing intravenous cannulation in Laos. He received treatment in South Korea, 5 days after symptom onset, delayed by his travel back to South Korea. Upon diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis emergency surgery was conducted promptly. Subsequently, he underwent multiple surgeries. The patient`s wound was closed 13 days postadmission. He was discharged on the 33rd day without complications, although continued rehabilitation was required.

A year on from the end of coronavirus disease pandemic, there has been a resurgence in interest in international travel from South Korea. In the event of unexpected illness whilst abroad, there is a lack of information regarding the provision of medical services, repatriation, and treatment outcomes, both abroad and upon return to South Korea. A 39-year-old male experienced swelling, redness, and severe pain in his right upper arm, axilla, and anterior chest wall after undergoing intravenous cannulation in Laos. He received treatment in South Korea, 5 days after symptom onset, delayed by his travel back to South Korea. Upon diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis emergency surgery was conducted promptly. Subsequently, he underwent multiple surgeries. The patient`s wound was closed 13 days postadmission. He was discharged on the 33rd day without complications, although continued rehabilitation was required.

A year on from the end of coronavirus disease pandemic, there has been a resurgence in interest in international travel from South Korea. In the event of unexpected illness whilst abroad, there is a lack of information regarding the provision of medical services, repatriation, and treatment outcomes, both abroad and upon return to South Korea. A 39-year-old male experienced swelling, redness, and severe pain in his right upper arm, axilla, and anterior chest wall after undergoing intravenous cannulation in Laos. He received treatment in South Korea, 5 days after symptom onset, delayed by his travel back to South Korea. Upon diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis emergency surgery was conducted promptly. Subsequently, he underwent multiple surgeries. The patient`s wound was closed 13 days postadmission. He was discharged on the 33rd day without complications, although continued rehabilitation was required.