London student's cliff death: Coroner records narrative conclusion

Junmo Jeong, a 20-year-old student at the London College of Fashion, died after falling from cliffs near Dover. His body was found by the Coastguard on March 3. An inquest held at Oakwood House in Maidstone recorded a narrative conclusion due to a lack of evidence to establish the circumstances of his death.

Disappearance and discovery

Mr Jeong had been attending an event at the Lethaby Gallery in London on February 26 when he left abruptly between 7pm and 8pm without informing friends. He subsequently purchased a one-way train ticket from London St Pancras to Dover Priory. His flatmate reported him missing to the Metropolitan Police the following day after being unable to contact him. Kent Police took over the investigation on March 1. Mobile phone records indicated his device was connected to the network until 1.59pm on February 28, but the phone was never recovered. On March 3, the Coastguard located his body among rocks at the foot of the White Cliffs near St Margaret's Bay. A crew member found his injuries consistent with a fall of approximately 300ft. He was pronounced dead at 12.06pm.

Investigation and family concerns

Investigating officer DS Oliver Austin told the inquest that Mr Jeong had developed unreciprocated feelings for a fellow university student, and his flatmate indicated he had been rejected shortly before his disappearance. DS Austin suggested Mr Jeong may have travelled to the cliffs intending to take his own life, citing the single train ticket and absence of belongings. However, Mr Jeong's family strongly disputed this, stating he was ambitious, had future plans, and maintained regular, rational contact with them. They also raised concerns about gaps in the investigation, including the absence of CCTV footage showing his actions after reaching the clifftops.

Coroner's conclusion

Coroner Katrina Hepburn stated that while Mr Jeong died from multiple injuries consistent with a fall, it was not possible to establish the exact cause. She noted possibilities including jumping, an accidental fall due to darkness or tripping, or a medical issue. The coroner recorded March 3 as his official date of death, though she acknowledged he likely died earlier. Mark Crawley, the university’s dean of students, described Mr Jeong as an "incredibly talented designer with a real curiosity about the world" and a hardworking, kind student.