Interim opposition leader Rep. Moon Hee-sang proposed high-level talks with the ruling Saenuri Party on Sunday, to end the ongoing political deadlock over the special Sewol bill.

The ruling party refused, putting the opening of Tuesday’s plenary session as a precondition for any new negotiation with the New Politics Alliance for Democracy.

The Saenuri Party’s rejection is likely to put the already-embattled NPAD in a catch-22.

How well the party can escape its predicament will depend largely on Moon’s decision-making abilities.

Overcoming the catch-22 is expected to be no easy task.

Critics blame the main opposition party for the current political impasse due to its parliamentary boycott over the special Sewol bill, which aims to set up an investigation into the government’s botched rescue efforts during the Sewol ferry disaster. NPAD lawmakers support giving investigators legal powers similar to those of prosecutors while ruling party officials oppose such plans.

The NPAD has vowed not to return to the National Assembly until the ruling party gives in to their demands.

But the boycott triggered public criticism as over 7,000 draft bills have been left pending and annual audits of government bodies, which were set to begin in August, have been indefinitely postponed.

Accepting the ruling party’s demands would cost the NPAD much political face, because the party has supported the original version of the special Sewol bill over all other bills since July.

The party is left with a choice between returning to the parliament Tuesday to renew talks later this week or continuing its boycott despite its falling approval ratings and increased public frustration at the political standstill.

Polls by Gallup Korea last week showed support for the NPAD at 22 percent, while the governing party had a 45 percent support.

On Monday, Moon will hold a caucus of party lawmakers to agree on a united platform. Experts predict NPAD officials to decide on whether to end their boycott before Tuesday’s full session. Although factionalism is expected to lengthen the debate, hopes are high that the party’s worsening political crisis will compel lawmakers to reach a consensus.

Moon’s experience and credentials as a pragmatist are expected to help the party turn its ratings around, analysts say.

Moon’s first speech as the party’s interim chief highlighted his down-to-earth approach.

“Former President Kim Dae-jung said lawmakers are most respected when they fight within the parliament,” the five-term lawmaker said. “We must not abandon our posts.”

The statement had come as hard-line lawmakers in the NPAD had conducted protests at Gwanghwamun Square, in downtown Seoul, over President Park Geun-hye’s stance on the special Sewol bill.

By Jeong Hunny (hj257@heraldcorp.com)