AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Clara Chung

What aspects of your identity are most meaningful for you? Are there cultural traditions or historic moments or other elements that are a particular source of pride?

I identify as Korean American, having been born in Seoul and immigrated to Los Angeles, California, when I was ten years old. Growing up in a city with a large Korean-American community helped me stay connected to my roots and maintain fluency in the Korean language. I continue to celebrate traditional holidays such as Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Harvest Festival, which is similar to Thanksgiving in the U.S.), which serve as meaningful reminders of my heritage. I'm especially proud of the strong sense of family and community that is deeply embedded in Korean culture—values that have shaped who I am and how I relate to others.

How did you find your path to success in this field?

I got into real estate in 2021, and it’s actually my third career. Before this, I worked in finance and tech—both fast-moving, high-pressure industries that really shaped how I handle challenges and stay adaptable. Those experiences definitely gave me a solid foundation for the world of real estate. I have so much admiration for agents who’ve built long-term success in this field. Real estate is incredibly dynamic and challenging at times—you have to stay motivated and positive, even when things don’t go your way. I’ve learned to embrace that unpredictability and keep moving forward. 

Are there values or elements of your identity that you draw strength from in your work as an agent?

My family values have had a huge influence on how I approach both life and work. Growing up, I watched both of my parents run their own businesses with an incredible work ethic, integrity, and dedication.  My mother owned a Michelin-starred restaurant, and I saw firsthand how seriously she took every detail—from the food to the ambiance to the way guests were greeted at the door. She used to say that running a restaurant was like putting on a live theater production—except the cast changes every night. That idea really stuck with me, and I think real estate is very similar. Every deal is different, with its own set of personalities, moving parts, and surprises. And just like in a great restaurant, it takes a whole team—both front and back of house—to make it all run smoothly.

Watching my parents showed me what it means to pursue excellence, and that’s something I try to bring into every client interaction and every transaction.

What impact, if any, has your identity had on your experience in the real estate industry? Are there specific moments or episodes from over the years that illustrate that experience?

I’ve been fortunate to build a strong base of international clients, especially from Asia, which I think is largely due to my bilingual skills and cultural understanding. They have helped me connect with clients on a deeper level and guide them through complex transactions with more confidence.

One recent example that stands out is when I helped a multi-national family purchase a property that fit multi-generational needs. The deal involved coordinating with family members in three different countries, navigating multiple motivations, and addressing immigration-related considerations. It definitely wasn’t a simple transaction—but I enjoyed the challenge, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing it all come together and knowing I played a meaningful role in that process.

What would you like your industry colleagues to understand about your experience and what can they do to be better allies of the AAPI community?

Asian Americans have one of the highest homeownership rates in the city—about 44%, compared to the citywide average of 30%. There are a lot of factors behind that, both cultural and socioeconomic. From a marketing perspective, I see it as a clear signal: this is a growing, engaged demographic with strong purchasing power and a real interest in real estate.  It just makes sense to build stronger connections with this community. I’d love to see Douglas Elliman and its agents play an even more visible role in supporting the AAPI community, especially through philanthropic efforts.

How do you think brokerages like Elliman can help foster greater diversity and understanding in the industry?

I really believe in the value of bringing agents together—whether they’re just starting out or have been in the business for years. There’s so much we can learn from each other, and I think it only makes us stronger as a team.  Personally, I’d also love to see us highlight the amazing diversity within our firm. It would be so fun to see how many languages we speak and how many countries we represent—it’s something that sets us apart and reflects the global nature of our work.