A series of public lectures in Pyongyang are emphasizing a “new era of unification” as the 70th anniversary of the North Korean government’s establishment approaches on September 9.

“Lectures are being held as the government prepares for major events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the regime,” said a Pyongyang-based source in the Sino-DPRK border region on September 4.

“The lectures mainly focus on the announcement that [North Korea] has entered a new era of unification in accordance with Kim Jong Un’s plans and the legacies of the Great Suryongs (Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il).”

In the past, lectures held immediately before important political events were aimed at communicating the message, “Let’s bring about unification by liberating South Korea and embracing our South Korean brethren.” Recently, however, the term “new era of unification” has appeared and the focus of the lectures has changed. North Koreans have expressed suspicion at the message these lectures are giving and have even asked lecturers what the “new era of unification” means, according to the source.

“There have also been meeting materials emphasizing that there should not be any incidents occurring during the events and so everyone needs to prepare thoroughly,” he added.

As September 9 approaches, the North Korean authorities have increased the level of propaganda output, but they are also focusing on economic issues. Domestic publications and TV broadcasts have continuously reported that the “national plan” has been completed. North Koreans, however, do not place much value in such reports, according to a separate source in South Pyongan Province.

“People don’t believe that the national plan has been completed or even met expectations. They have long experienced being squeezed for money even though the plans [are reported to be] completed each year,” she said.

“Even the employees of the departments that make those plans think that the phrase “exceeded [set] goals” are only used in the papers and on TV.”

The South-Pyongan Province-based added that entry into Pyongyang has been tightened recently. As US-DPRK negotiations over denuclearization have stalled, the North Korean authorities are tightening control over the city as preparation gets underway for military parades and other events in the city on September 9.

“An order has come down that even regular North Koreans visiting relatives or going on business trips to Pyongyang wouldn’t be able to enter the city from September 1,” said the source.

“A special security order has been issued to the security force attached to the Supreme Guard Command, which has been given the duty of thoroughly closing off Pyongyang and carefully inspecting all people and vehicles entering the city.”